Conference Sessions Summary
draft - the titles will be links to the pdf file
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Pre-Conference Workshop - IP Focus Group
Pre-Conference Workshop - Aderant
Pre-Conference Workshop - LawToolBox
Pre-Conference Workshop - PacerPro
Pre-Conference Workshop - CourtAlert
Monday, October 6, 2025
Forced Fun and Fluorescent Lighting (PDF)
Jessica
Baker
Jessica's session reimagined common workplace practices through the lens of cognitive diversity. The session emphasized practical self-advocacy strategies that empower individuals to communicate cognitive needs effectively while providing leaders with frameworks that anticipate diverse processing styles. Members were left with applicable tools to implement systems that support neurodiversity by design rather than expectation.
IP - Making Best Use of EPCT for PCT Docketing (PDF)
Carl Oppendahl
Carl's presentation discussed ePCT system and how it can be used to send automatic email reminders of due dates in PCT applications and how automatic email reminders can be helpful, running in parallel with existing docketing systems. He also provided a "bonus topic" to learn how to obtain a "timeline" from ePCT for a PCT application. And attendees learned how ePCT automatically recalculates due dates.
Roundtable -- Litigation
Litigation attendees discussed Managing Cases Across Offices; Finding and Retaining Docketing Professionals
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Litigation Track
Mastering Docketing Applications: A Roadmap from Selection to Implementation (PDF)
Docketing Application Comparison Chart (Word)
Karen Rubinson
Karen gave an engaging session on the process of selecting and implementing docketing applications from initial evaluation to successful outcomes. She covered essential strategies for choosing the right applications, navigating common implementation challenges, and optimizing docketing processes.
Stay Classy, San Diego: A Fireside Chat on Docketing Software Selection (PDF)
Andrew Elder, Krista Wilmot, Olivia Bane, Ed Miller
This lively roundtable discussion was as entertaining as Ron Burgundy's antics. Panelists dove into the world of docketing software selection. Whether a software conversion aficionado, or exploring software options, the panelists provided valuable insights into conversion processes and hiccups.
Using AI to Enhance Litigation Support (PDF)
Dana Louttit, Esq.
Dana provided insight on how artificial intelligence tools are being leveraged to support litigation teams. She discussed guardrails that should be in place to ensure responsible use. This was the go-to session to talk about the ways artificial intelligence tools can be leveraged to provide faster and more robust support to a litigation team.
Frontline to Finish Line: Elevating Access to Justice
through Docketing Excellence (PDF)
David Slayton Executive Officer/Clerk of Court, Los Angeles Superior Court
David's presentation discussed what happens behind the scenes in litigation support and how it is often the difference between chaos and justice. As the Executive Officer/Clerk of Court for the largest trial court in the nation, David spotlighted the essential role that docketing professionals play in keeping the wheels of justice turning. He provided real-life stories that offered both practical insights and meaningful recognition for those who manage the critical interface between law firms and courts.
Why Knowing Court Rules Still Matters in the Age of
Automated Docketing (PDF)
George Sikes, Sarah Wood
George and Sarah explored why a critical understanding of the court rules, practices, and procedures remains essential to the docketing profession. They highlighted how human oversight, procedural nuances, and jurisdictional variations can still impact outcomes, despite AI-powered tools.
Cracking the CA Code:
Strategies for Deadline and Docketing Success (PDF)
John Robinson, Jennifer Chang, Leslie Obiri
This panel discussed the complex and counterintuitive complexities of the calculations of deadlines in the California Courts. This session left members with practical insights and strategies to help tackle deadlines.
IP Track
UPSTO Update
Mollybeth Kocialski, Esq, USPTO (No PDF)
Attendees gained valuable insights into the USPTO's current initiatives aimed at enhancing patent quality, reducing application processing times, and ensuring robust trademark protection. This session explored the impact of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, on the IP docketing profession, and the strategies the USPTO is implementing to stay ahead of these developments.
Diana Sobo, Esq.
Diana discussed that change can be good but can also create headaches. She discussed changes in the USPTO re Trademark fees, how they are calculated, office action response deadlines, and the impact of the TMA. Diana also discussed recent TTAB changes affecting filing fees, revised timelines and the newly launched system for filing pleadings.
AI for Everyday Tasks in IP Docketing Departments (No PDF)
Ann McCrackin, Esq.
Ann explored practical AI tools designed to boost both personal and team productivity. She addressed essential considerations such as data confidentiality and the accuracy of AI generated outputs. Attendees gained insights to strategies for using AI responsibly. Participants left with examples of AI tools and use thereof with cases applicable to administrative tasks in IP docketing departments.
Carl Oppendahl, Esq.
Madrid Protocol Docketing (PDF)Carl's presentation left attendees with the knowledge of what needs to be docketed before, during and after the international phase of a PCT application. Think about 4-and-16 rate. He discussed what dockets should be set once a new PCT application has been filed and whether the PCT application was filed in RO/US or RO/IB.
Carl Oppendahl, Esq.
Carl explored what leads up to the filing of a Madrid Protocol application. He discussed what to do if you receive a Notification of Irregularity from the International Bureau and how to docket renewals of US protection from Madrid. He also discussed how the ten-year renewal cycles will be offset for the US registration on the one hand, and the International Registration on the other hand.