17th Annual Design Day
May 9, 2024 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Join us for an in-person or virtual day of lively and thought-provoking discussion about various aspects of design patents, hosted at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Get insights from USPTO design managers, design patent practitioners, and industrial designers. No CLE credit is offered for attendance.
Participate virtually or in-person on Thursday, May 9, 2024, from 10:00am - 5:00pm EDT. There will be a networking opportunity from 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT, following the formal program.
The event will feature: updates from USPTO leadership and the Director of Technology Center 2900; targeted presentations on the new Design Practitioner Bar, the Supplemental GUI examination guidelines released in late 2023, and important design-related cases from district courts, the PTAB, and the Federal Circuit. The event will also include helpful presentations on changes and anticipated changes in global design law, as well as, tips and tricks for using the updated WIPO Design Database, the new Hague Application direct filing interface, and the USPTO Search Tool. Finally, we will hear an inspirational keynote from entrepreneur Joshua Thurmond, designer and inventor of the LavaBox, portable campfire.
Register for In-person Register for Virtual
Co-Sponsors:

News
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AIPLA Comments on the OECD's Working Party on Countering Illicit Trade (WP-CIT) Draft Voluntary Guidelines
August 27, 2025
Arlington, VA. August 25, 2025 – The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) submitted comments to the USPTO on the OECD’s Draft Voluntary Guidelines for Countering Illicit Trade in Counterfeit Goods on Online Marketplaces, highlighting best practices for governments, online marketplace operators, and rights holders. -
Letter of Support - S. 2667 / H.R. 4930 - Customs Info Sharing Authority
August 13, 2025
Arlington, VA. August 13, 2025-The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) submitted a joint letter with a coalition of organizations representing thousands of American businesses, including many leading global brands, to Senators Grassley, Hassan, and Representatives Moore, and Schneider expressing strong support for S. 2677 / H.R. 4930. The letter highlights the growing threat of counterfeit and pirated goods entering U.S. borders, urges enhanced cooperation between public and private sectors, and commends the legislation for clarifying U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s authority to share information and expand collaboration with key stakeholders to improve intellectual property enforcement. -
AIPLA Comments on the UPC Mediation and Arbitration Centre’s Draft Mediation Rules
July 22, 2025
Arlington, VA. July 21, 2025 – The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) submitted comments to the UPC Mediation and Arbitration Centre (PMAC) regarding its proposed Mediation Rules. -
AIPLA Submits Letter to US Senate Judiciary Committee on Squires Nomination to the USPTO
June 16, 2025
Arlington, VA. June 11, 2025 –The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) submitted a letter in response to the nomination of John A. Squires as Director of the United States Patent & Trademark Office (“USPTO”). In view of his impressive background, AIPLA believes Mr. Squires is fully capable of undertaking this important role and appreciates the Senate Judiciary Committee giving this nominee prompt consideration. -
AIPLA Comments on Draft NMPA Measures
June 9, 2025
Arlington, VA. May 17, 2025 –The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) submitted comments in response to the National Medical Products Administration’s (NMPA) draft measures on the protection of drug trial data in China.