Design Patents and A More Diverse Patent Bar (RECORDING)

Sarah (Fackrell) Burstein is a Professor of Law at Chicago-Kent College of Law. She is an internationally-recognized expert in design patent law. Prior to becoming a law professor, she worked as a federal law clerk and as an IP associate at Kirkland & Ellis LLP. She has a law degree from the University of Chicago and a B.A. in Art & Design from Iowa State University.

Barbara K. Müller is a partner of Wild Schnyder AG, one of the oldest and most prestigious IP boutique law firm of Switzerland. After her education in Switzerland, Barbara worked in Austria and the US. Barbara holds an LL.M. degree of Northwestern University in Chicago and Dr. of the Zurich university. Barbara is active in several areas of intellectual property law, including trademark, design, and copyright law. She advises and litigates for domestic and foreign clients. Barbara has a broad experience in strategic consulting, contractual work and litigation. In addition to her practical work, Barbara publishes regularly, among other things on trademarks in the njus.ch book series and as co-editor and co-author of the copyright commentary in the Stämpflis Handkommentare series. Barbara is an active member of INTA. 

Claudia Stangle is a partner at Leydig, Voit & Mayer in Chicago with over 25 years of experience and specializes in trademarks, trade dress, copyrights, false and comparative advertising, Internet law, trade secrets, licensing, and right of publicity. Ms. Stangle has significant experience in complex inter partes proceedings before the TTAB, has represented clients in federal courts around the U.S. including in the Ninth Circuit, and has won numerous UDRP proceedings. She also has experience in patent infringement and trade secret litigation. She represents clients in a wide variety of industries including in the life sciences, automotive, insurance, reinsurance, financial, car rental, commercial real estate, software, AI, consumer and luxury goods, entertainment, cannabis, alcoholic beverages, and industrial products space. Ms. Stangle currently serves as the Chair of the Recruiting Committee and was previously Chair of the DEI committee and a member of her firm’s Board of Directors. She is also Vice-Chair of IPO’s D&I Committee. Ms. Stangle is a frequent guest lecturer speaking about a variety of intellectual property topics, has been a regional oral argument judge for the Saul Lefkowitz Moot Court Competition and has served as an Adjunct Professor at Widener Law School teaching law students about copyrights and trademarks.  She has three boys and loves to run and bike in her spare time.

J. Bradley White, a partner and Chair of Osler’s National Intellectual Property Department, heads the firm’s patent litigation and patent/design prosecution practices. Brad has significant expertise in complex patent litigation, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector, where he has adeptly navigated proceedings under the Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations. His leadership at Osler and his impact on the industry are evident in the successful outcomes he has achieved for his clients and the respect he commands among his peers. Brad’s strategic acumen in enforcing patent rights is well-regarded, as is his ability to coordinate and manage prosecution and litigation strategies across multiple jurisdictions. His appearances as lead counsel include the Federal Court of Appeal, Federal Court, and Ontario Superior Court. Moreover, his international credentials are solidified by his role as worldwide coordinating litigation and IP counsel before the US International Trade Commission. As a Registered Canadian Patent Agent, and to practice before the USPTO, Brad’s proficiency extends to both Canadian and foreign patent and industrial design prosecution. His services encompass strategic IP portfolio reviews, patentability assessments, and the provision of opinions on patent infringement and validity. Clients benefit from his worldwide patent portfolio management and enforcement advice. His editorial insights have also been featured in the Canadian Patent Reporter, where he served as a past associate editor.