What a year! As I reflect on the last 12 months, the depth and breadth of change that has swept over our profession and the intellectual property systems of the world have been truly breathtaking. And it seems this year in particular has set us on the tip of a fulcrum, with our choices and our values and our actions never more consequential or important.

AIPLA has been front and center for every issue, debate, and change this past year. From the heated controversies in the US Congress regarding patent litigation abuses to a watershed year at the US Supreme Court, AIPLA has been there every step of the way. As the US Patent Office undertook its first year implementing the dramatic changes of the America Invents Act—especially its new contested case processes. This has been quite the tumultuous, raucous, momentous year.

It’s been a privilege and honor to serve as President of AIPLA during this dramatic time, and I remain both humbled and gratified by what a wonderful and durable institution we have. Our Board of Directors and Officers—nimble, broad-minded, and bringing wide-spread interests and experiences to the crucial task of setting our direction—have been critical in navigating through rough waters, always focused on the pole star of sound intellectual property policy. Our staff—committed professionals who come together as a cohesive team to seemingly effortlessly produce all the education, advocacy, member support and global outreach that define AIPLA as the premier intellectual property organization in the world. And of course, you, our members—some 15,000 strong—each of you through your support, your contributions in our fifty-some Committees, your attendance at our stated meetings, our local road shows, our gatherings, your participation in our international delegations, and your valuable comments and feedback—you all are the bedrock of AIPLA.

For me, personally, the numbers tell part of the story: nearly 200,000 miles,touching 4 continents, and over 25 cities visited around the world. Meeting so many of our members, together with international policy makers, judges, patent office leaders, and vital IP advocates across the globe, has demonstrated to me how central and indispensable AIPLA is on the world stage. 

This experience has given me and my husband, Bob McDonald, treasured experiences, strengthened existing ties, and opened us to new, delightful friends both near and far. It has been a cherished year for me and Bob, one we won’t forget and for which we remain ever grateful to you all for your trust and support. 

As you read the following report, I trust you’ll be impressed at how AIPLA continues to fulfill our mission through tireless advocacy—AIPLA filed a staggering 11 Supreme Court amicus briefs (and counting) this year, along with 36 comment letters to the US and other national and international government agencies. We also filed our first-ever amicus brief with the Japan High Court. 

The fact AIPLA manages this flurry of work,all while producing the highest quality educational meetings and a burgeoning number of local road-shows, meet-ups, international delegations and vital programs, is frankly spectacular. But we have far more to do.

We still face an increasingly challenging IP environment, one we must meet with redoubled public education and advocacy efforts, and with durable institutional resources and actions. We are in an important transition as an organization: as I write these words, we are actively searching for our next Executive Director, to help lead our organization to new achievements and through upcoming challenges. For that, I am also grateful for Sharon Israel’s passionate and tireless support this year, and excited to see her take the reins as our new President this coming year!

As you look through the following Annual Report, I hope you come away impressed, proud, and delighted at all the great work AIPLA has done and continues to do, all with a hope in service to you, our members. 

Thanks and cheers!

Wayne Sobon