Class Is in Session: IP Summer School Launches New Series

Ward and Smith is pleased to introduce IP Summer School, a free four-part intellectual property law webinar series running May through August, 2026.

Each 45-minute session is led by members of our nationally recognized IP and IP Litigation practice groups, draws on the firm’s published research and attorney insights, and is designed to give you knowledge you can actually use.

Who Should Attend?

The series is designed for clients and business professionals who are building or protecting intellectual property. No prerequisites required.

What Will Be Covered?

• Protecting Your Secret Sauce: Trade Secrets in the Modern Workplace – We’ll cover what qualifies as a trade secret, how misappropriation cases are decided, and the practical steps that actually hold up when things go wrong
• Patents and AI: What the Future of Innovation Looks Like – We’ll walk you through what the USPTO is saying about AI in patent work, strategic portfolio planning, and the right questions to ask before your next R&D investment.
• Trademark 101: What Every Business Owner Need to Know – We’ll break down how rights are created, the most common and costly mistakes, and how to make sure the brand you’re building is yours to keep
• IP Litigation: Protecting Your Brand at Home and Abroad – We’ll explain how enforcement cases are built, realistic timelines and outcomes, and how to treat IP protection as business strategy rather than legal emergency.

How to Register

These webinars are free, but spots are limited, and registration is required. You can sign up for individual sessions or register for all four at once. Don’t miss this opportunity—secure your spot today. Sign up here.