OCTOBER 16-18, 2026
Hosted by Dinsmore & Shohl LLP 
655 W Broadway #800, San Diego, CA 92101
Take your career to the next level with LES Academy! Join interactive and cutting-edge education sessions taught by expert faculty from industry, academia, legal, and valuation firms. Network with peers, and the LES faculty and leadership.
The course descriptions are listed below. Two tracks are offered with a maximum of 40 attendees per track. Choose a track that fits your interests and skill level:
Business Development (Track I)
Generally recommended for attendees with less than 3 years of experience as a licensing professional (IP, licensing, and/or valuation)
This track starts on Friday with an overview of intellectual property and the licensing process. It continues Saturday with modules on valuation and negotiations, both taught at an early career level. Sunday wraps up with a session on how to successfully manage IP and licenses moving forward (live with the deal). There will also be a panel discussion on career advancement.
This course should strengthen your understanding of the business development process (regardless of your industry) and help you expand your network through the LES community.
Below you will find details on topics you will cover during Track I:
IP & LICENSING: Friday (10/16, 1-5pm)
Abstract
There is more emphasis now than ever before on commercialization, company formation, and job creation from the billions of dollars invested annually in research and development at America’s universities, government laboratories, and small businesses. Frequently, success in achieving the foregoing goals requires the skillful use of intellectual property (IP). Whether you are an entrepreneur in the making, a principal investigator or student at any level who wants a better grasp of the basics of IP, or an aspiring technology transfer, business development, or legal/patent professional, this course will give you the tools you need to succeed.
This course is intended for entry level and early-career professionals who anticipate engaging in the management of IP and the use of IP as a tool to advance business strategy.
Modules:
- IP Basics: We will explore the four classical types of IP rights and delve into newer forms of “nonclassical” IP that nonetheless provide economically meaningful exclusivities.
- Commercialization of IP: This module will cover basic concepts of how businesses convert IP assets into economic value. While our focus will be on license agreements, we will touch on the myriad other ways that a robust IP portfolio benefits a business.
- Licensing Fees and Royalties: This module will introduce participants to how IP rights are valued, and how the financial terms of license agreements are typically structured.
- Managing Risk: License agreements are legally binding contracts that convey specific rights, and impose specific obligations, on each party. This module will explore key obligations and their associated risks, and how and where in license agreements the parties typically address how to manage those risks.
Instructors:
Karthika Perumal, Ph.D., CLP– Partner, Womble Bond Dickinson
Gillian Fenton Esq., CLP– Executive Director, LST Strategies LLC
Lalit Gaur– Global Head, Business Development & Licensing, Vetoquinol
VALUATION I: Saturday (10/17, 8am-12pm)
Abstract
This course will present an overview of IP valuation for non-valuation professionals. The course covers at a high level the premises and definitions of IP value, and dives deeply into implementation through the application of the three primary IP valuation approaches: market, income, and cost. The valuation approaches discussion focuses on how to select the most stable suitable approach, sources of data for implementing each approach, implementation steps and calculations, and review and benchmarking of valuation results. We incorporate many examples and hands-on group and individual exercises, while also providing ways to assess risk and tools to incorporate risk into the value assessments. The course also includes a section on brand valuation, and a discussion of important current events impacting IP valuation.
Instructors:
Michele Riley– Senior Advisor, Stout
Jennifer Vanderhart, Ph.D.– Managing Director, Secretariat Advisors
NEGOTIATION I: Saturday (10/17, 1-5pm)
Abstract
This immersive seminar builds the foundation for effective dealmaking. Participants will practice core principles of negotiation, from preparation and strategy to closing, while learning to apply concepts such as ZOPAs, BATNAs, and power dynamics to achieve win-win outcomes.
Instructors:
DC Toedt– Professor of Practice, Univ. of Houston Law Center
Mihaela Bojin, Ph.D., CLP– Senior Associate Director, Univ. of Iowa Research Foundation
Jonathon Hance, Esq., CLP– Partner, Bracewell
Paul Stewart, CLP– Managing Director, PASCO Ventures
WELLNESS PANEL, Career Paths: Saturday (10/17, 5-6pm)
Information coming soon
NETWORKING: Saturday (10/17, 6-7pm)
CLOSING & COMPLIANCE: Sunday (10/18, 8am-12pm)
Abstract
We will examine the range of issues that come into focus for both licensors and licensees once business negotiations have been completed successfully and the agreement is ready for signature. Beyond discussing the signatures process and its immediate aftermath, we will explore long-term alliance management issues, including compliance, audits, and resolving disputes. We will also provide an overview of best practices for amending agreements.
This course is intended as an introduction to the pitfalls and opportunities of living with license agreements. Participants will learn the business, financial, and risk management aspects of long-term relationships with business partners.
Modules:
- Closing the Deal: Issues to consider and pitfalls to avoid when a license agreement is ready for signatures and in the immediate aftermath of signatures. We will further explore best practices for how Business Negotiating Team hands the license agreement off to the Product Development Team, including conducting technology transfer.
- Compliance with License Agreements: In this module, we review common risks, systems, and the people involved in living with a license agreement, including alliance management. We will explore how disputes unfold and what portions of the agreement are relevant to dispute resolution. Finally, we will review the role of counsel in interpreting the agreement for the business, technical, and financial functions of the parties.
- Amending License Agreements: We will learn how to recognize when an amendment is needed and best practices for approaching the other party, negotiating the amendment, and record keeping.
Instructors:
Gillian Fenton Esq., CLP– Executive Director, LST Strategies LLC
Jayde Wood– Partner, Gowling WLG
Paul Stewart, CLP– Managing Director, PASCO Ventures
Samuel Mercer– Board Member & Chair, VILS
Dealmaking (Track II)
3+ years of experience as a licensing professional (IP, licensing, and/or valuation)
This track starts on Friday with an overview of the due diligence process, and focuses on technical, legal and financial diligence. We will continue Saturday with modules on valuation and negotiations, both taught at a mid-career level. We will wrap up on Sunday with a session on strategies to close and live with the deal. There will also be a panel discussion on work-life balance.
This course should sharpen your dealmaking skills through experiential learning and hands-on activities, and broaden your network through the LES community.
Below you will find details on topics you will cover during Track II:
DUE DILIGENCE: Friday (10/16, 1-5pm)
Abstract
This course introduces strategies for planning and executing due diligence in IP-driven transactions. Participants will explore technical, legal, and commercial considerations through interactive case studies – including technology readiness, ownership and freedom to operate, and market evaluation.
Instructors:
Jayde Wood– Partner, Gowling WLG
Samuel Mercer– Board Member & Chair, VILS
VALUATION II: Saturday (10/17), 8am-12pm)
Abstract
In today’s innovation-driven economy, effective decision-making around intellectual property (IP) requires more than intuition—it requires data. Data-Centric Decision Making is an advanced IP Valuation course designed for IP professionals who seek to integrate IP valuation into strategic business decisions using data, analytics, and financial modeling.
This course is ideal for professionals involved in IP strategy, tech transfer, licensing, litigation support, and startup investment. Participants will explore both qualitative and quantitative approaches to valuing IP and will learn how to leverage IP data and analytics to drive high-stakes decisions.
Modules:
- Overview of Valuation Approaches
Examine the core approaches used in IP valuation—income, market, and cost-based approaches—and learn how to select the appropriate approach depending on the context, asset type, and available data. - Decision Making with Patent Analytics
Explore how patent data and analytics tools can provide actionable insights for competitive positioning, technology scouting, and monetization decisions. Includes hands-on exposure to key metrics and platforms. - Reasonable Royalty Damages Assessment
Understand the principles and methodologies behind calculating reasonable royalty damages in IP infringement cases. Learn to analyze comparable licensing data, apply the Georgia-Pacific factors and implement apportionment techniques. - Financial Risk Management in IP Valuation
Focus on decision analysis and net present value (NPV) modeling to evaluate IP-related risks and opportunities. This module provides tools for incorporating uncertainty and scenario planning into IP valuation models.
Instructors:
Efrat Kasznik– President, Foresight Valuation
Adam Falconer, CLP– Managing Director, Royalty Sense
Sam Wiley– Managing Director, Ocean Tomo
NEGOTIATION II: Saturday (10/17, 1-5pm)
Abstract
This course will elevate participants’ awareness and skills in business negotiations. We will dive into tactics that can be used and abused in license negotiations, and into how to leverage interests through effective communication to drive mutually agreeable positions. Understanding these nuances is part and parcel of the art of negotiating effective, win-win license deals. This course will set participants on the path to becoming master negotiators.
This course is intended for mid-career professionals looking to up their performance in negotiating deals in challenging environments. Ideally, participants will have a minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in negotiating licenses and related intellectual property driven B2B agreements.
Modules:
- Interests and Positions: We will explore the concepts of interests and positions, how they differ, and how each fits into negotiation scenarios.
- Power and Leverage: Using the analogy of David and Goliath, we will explore power dynamics during a deal negotiation, including some unexpected power inversions! We will also discuss what constitutes leverage, how to recognize leverage, and how to use it ethically when negotiating.
- People and Teams: This module will cover best practices for constituting and leading a deal team and for interactions of the deal team with other teams both inside and outside of your organization.
- Interactive Case Study: Our exploration of advanced business negotiations will conclude with an engaging case study including a mock negotiation.
Instructors:
Gillian Fenton Esq., CLP– Executive Director, LST Strategies LLC
Bob Held, CLP– President, HeldIP
WELLNESS PANEL, Career Paths: Saturday (10/17, 5-6pm)
Information coming soon
NETWORKING: Saturday (10/17, 6-7 pm)
LICENSING AS A BUSINESS STRATEGY: Sunday (10/18, 8am-12pm)
Abstract
This session will review key fundamental licensing elements before moving into in-depth discussions of topical issues that arise when negotiating and managing license agreements. Topics may include the treatment of generative AI, how best to structure a royalty audit clause, and lessons from recent litigation. Course registrants are encouraged to submit additional topics for consideration and possible discussion.
This course is intended for mid-career professionals looking to negotiate and live with license agreements that contain strong, well-defined, and understandable operating rules, dispute-management techniques, and other clauses designed to help parties identify and successfully navigate common trouble spots.
Modules:
- In-Depth Discussion of Topical Licensing Issues: We will explore current and emerging issues that may impact the structure, negotiation, and management of license agreements, including topics such as generative AI and royalty audit clauses.
- Lessons from Litigation: This module will examine practical lessons from recent litigation, with a focus on how clearer drafting, stronger operating rules, and effective dispute-management provisions can help parties avoid or manage common licensing challenges.
- Tailored to Attendee Requests: Course registrants are encouraged to submit topics or questions for consideration. This module will allow for discussion of additional issues most relevant to participants and the licensing challenges they are encountering in practice.
Instructors:
DC Toedt– Professor of Practice, Univ. of Houston Law Center
Jennifer Vanderhart, Ph.D.– Managing Director, Secretariat Advisors
Karthika Perumal, Ph.D., CLP– Partner, Womble Bond Dickinson
LES ACADEMY 2025 FEEDBACK
Register for LES Academy
+ Annual Meeting (Combo)
Register for
LES Academy Only
REGISTRATION FEES (USD)
Member
LES Academy Only Regular
$995
LES Academy with LES AM (combo) Regular
$2,395
NON-Member
LES Academy Only Regular
$1,395
LES Academy with LES AM (combo) Regular
$2,795
IP Owner
(permanent Early Bird)
LES Academy Only
$795
LES Academy with LES AM (combo)
$2,195
FACULTY
Committee Member, Speaker, Instructor
Co-Chair; LES USA Canada
President; Foresight Valuation Group
Speaker, Instructor
Senior Associate Director
Univ. of Iowa Research Foundation
