Brand & New

The theme for World Intellectual Property Day 2026 is “IP and Sport,” and here on Brand & New we’re joining in the celebrations with a close look at the powerful intersection of intellectual property (IP) and sport, and there may be no better stage for that conversation than “the world’s game:” football, or as it called in the United States, soccer! The goal of World IP Day 2026 is to highlight how creativity, innovation, and strong IP protection keep sport thriving, dynamic, and accessible worldwide—and few organizations embody that global impact quite like the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). In this episode of Brand & New, we’re joined by Tiffany M. Shepard, Director and Senior Counsel, Brand Rights Protection at FIFA World Cup 2026. In this role, Ms. Shepard leads the North American enforcement strategy to safeguard FIFA’s World Cup 2026 IP, retail licensing, and sponsorship rights from ambush marketing, counterfeiting, and unauthorized affiliations. Prior to joining FIFA, Ms. Shepard served in various in-house roles at major global brands, including at BuzzFeed Media Enterprises, The Kraft Heinz Company, and The Procter & Gamble Company Ms. Shepard joins us today for a timely and wide-ranging conversation about protecting one of the most valuable and visible sports brands on the planet. As excitement builds toward the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, she discusses the importance of safeguarding IP across borders, preserving trust and authenticity for billions of fans around the world, and what’s keeping her team busy in the weeks leading up the event. From the challenges of brand protection at large-scale global sporting events to advice for the next generation of IP professionals, this episode explores why IP matters not just to organizations like FIFA—but to creativity, innovation, and the future of sport itself. Related Resources About Tiffany M. Shepard About World Intellectual Day About the FIFA World Cup 2026 Recent and Related Brand & New Episodes IP and the SDGs: Building Our Common Future with Innovation and Creativity Women Leaders Series: Advancing Athlete Rights Related 2026 Annual Meeting Sessions Ambush Marketing Without Borders: How Sports Rights Are Protected Worldwide Dupe Culture: The Imitation Game

Copyright law is struggling to keep pace with the way we work today as technology advances and as AI becomes an indispensable tool in the workplace. At the same time, the gap between what's assumed to be acceptable and what's legally permitted is wider than most organizations realize when it comes to using materials protected by copyright. In this episode of Brand & New, Willard Knox connects with Lauren Tulloch and Catherine Zaller Rowland from the Copyright Clearance Center (CCC) to tackle the copyright questions everyone is asking right now. They break down the real risks organizations face and what they can do about them. You’ll hear about the biggest misconception in this area, explore how fair use applies in the AI era, and more tools to keep your organization out of trouble. This episode is sponsored by the Copyright Clearance Center. Learn more at copyright.com. Resources: About Copyright Clearance Center About Lauren Tulloch About Catherine Waller Rowland Recent and Related Brand & New Episodes: Legal Wake-up Call for Generative AIHow to Build Trust in AIAI-Driven Advertising: Copyright in the New Frontier (2026 Annual Meeting Educational Session)

Last year marked the fifth anniversary of The Women’s LeadershIP Initiative (WLI). This is the Association’s program to move forward the conversation around women’s leadership in our field and to give INTA members practical tools they can use to advance women leaders in their organizations. During the last five years, the global intellectual property community has made real progress on belonging and inclusion in our industry, but when we look at leadership, advancement, and impact, many gaps persist. In celebration of Women’s History Month and to mark our fifth anniversary, the WLI has just released an updated version of the WLI’s original Report and Best Practices Toolkit. It takes an honest look at where progress has been made and where more work is needed. For this episode of Brand & New, we’re joined by Ayala Deutsch, Executive Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at NBA Properties and the WLI Executive Champion. She played a central role in the drafting of the updated Report and will help us dig into and unpack this data-rich research. Notably, Ms. Deutsch was also President of INTA in 2020, which was not only the first year of the pandemic (with its own repercussions for working women around the world) but also the year when the WLI was drafting its first Report and Best Practices Toolkit. Further, as listeners may know, Ms. Deutsch has hosted many episodes of Brand & New on behalf of the WLI. Beyond exploring the Report findings and data, Ms. Deutsch provides practical insights for those looking to advance belonging and inclusion in their organizations and engage their leadership on this issue, and for those who want to become better advocates for themselves. Happy Women’s History Month and enjoy the episode. Resources: About Alaya Deutsch About The Women’s LeadershIP Initiative About Women’s History Month The WLI Report & Best Practices Toolkit 2026 Update Recent and Related Brand & New Episodes: The AI Gender GapWomen in IP History: Pioneers and ProgressWomen Architects of Innovation: AI, IP, and What’s Next (The WLI’s 2026 Annual Meeting Educational Session)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is forcing legal systems worldwide to confront fundamental questions about creativity, ownership, and identity. Can companies train algorithms on copyrighted works without permission? What happens when technology makes it easy to clone someone’s voice or face? In this episode of Brand & New, host Willard Knox speaks with two attorneys at the forefront of these rapidly evolving issues. Lynn Oberlander is Co-Editor of the Practising Law Institute’s (PLI) comprehensive new treatise, Artificial Intelligence & Intellectual Property, which brings together leading practitioners to address the most pressing legal challenges in AI. Catie Seibel Sinitsa is the co-author the chapter covering copyright and AI. Ms. Oberlander has spent almost 25 years counseling media and entertainment companies on intellectual property (IP) and First Amendment issues. Ms. Sinitsa specializes in copyright and trademark law, working with clients across fashion, media, among other industries. Together, they unpack how this evolving technology is reshaping long-standing IP principles and why these questions are no longer theoretical but urgent, real-world concerns. This episode of Brand & New is sponsored by PLI. For more than 90 years, the Institute has helped legal professionals stay at the forefront of knowledge and expertise through world-class continuing legal education. Related Resources About Lynn Oberlander About Catie Seibel Sinitsa About the Practising Law Institute Access Artificial Intelligence & Intellectual Property AI-Related Sessions at INTA's 2026 Annual Meeting Related Brand & New Episodes: Certifying Human Music in the Age of AIThe AI Gender Gap

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in music has sparked a new kind of identity crisis for artists and the industry alike. When anyone with a laptop can generate a song in seconds, how do listeners tell differentiate between human-created music and AI-generated music? In this episode of Brand & New, guest host Rudy Gaines talks with Paul McGrady, an intellectual property attorney and the co-founder of Humanable (USA), a certification platform that verifies when music is created entirely by human artists. Inspired by his daughter’s journey in Nashville’s music scene, Mr. McGrady shares how Humanable aims to protect musicians, preserve royalties, and help audiences reconnect with authentic artistry. Beyond the legal innovation, Mr. McGrady also discusses his Nashville alter ego, “Uncle Paul,” and his mission to spotlight independent musicians through social media and community advocacy. This episode was recorded live during INTA’s 2025 Annual Meeting in San Diego, California. Resources: About Paul McGrady About Humanable About Rudy Gaines Related Brand & New Episodes: The Beat of IP: A Conversation with The Opposition™ BandINTA’s 2026 Annual Meeting

As AI-generated music floods the market, the music industry faces unprecedented questions about creativity, copyright, and compensation. But behind every evolving technology and headline debate are the lawyers, often musicians themselves, who navigate the space where art and law converge. In this episode of Brand & New, guest host Rudy Gaines sits down with two leading intellectual property practitioners whose personal and professional lives are deeply connected to music: INTA Past President Mei-lan Stark, Executive Vice President and Chief Counsel for IP at NBCUniversal (USA) and Rick McMurtry, Founding Partner at M|C Law Group (USA). From childhood music lessons to high-stakes licensing negotiations, both guests share how their lifelong connection to music has shaped their careers, protecting creative works. Together, they trace the soundtrack of the industry’s evolution, from the era of Napster to today’s AI-driven soundscapes, exploring how innovation challenges what it means to be both creator and protector. This episode was recorded live during INTA’s 2025 Annual Meeting in San Diego, California. Resources: About Mei-lan Stark About Rick McMurtry About Rudy Gaines Related Brand & New Episodes: The Beat of IP: A Conversation with The Opposition™ BandINTA's 2026 Annual Meeting

In today’s episode of Brand & New, we’re diving into a timely and complex question: How can intellectual property (IP) systems earn public trust again? Behind the headlines and the legal frameworks, what’s really at stake is how innovation happens, and whether creators, entrepreneurs, and consumers continue to believe in the value of protection, fairness, and trust. Joining us to explore this critical conversation is Megan Carpenter, Dean of the University of New Hampshire (UNH) Franklin Pierce School of Law (USA). Under her leadership, UNH Franklin Pierce has continued to pioneer new ways of teaching IP, bridging theory with practice, and preparing the next generation of lawyers, policymakers, and creators to navigate an increasingly complex innovation economy. Ms. Carpenter shares how IP education is evolving, what it means to rebuild trust in IP systems, and why innovators and brand owners should care deeply about the future of IP. This is the third episode in INTA’s Women's Leaders Series, a collaboration between Brand and New, and the Women's LeadershIP Initiative. It brings together women leaders and diverse roles and representing various organization types in the brands and IP ecosystem. These women are at the forefront of industry trends and the conversation around how the landscape for women leaders is being shaped today. This episode is also sponsored by the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law, a global leader in intellectual property education, innovation, and research. RESOURCES: About Franklin Pierce School of Law About Megan Carpenter About The Women's LeadershIP Initiative

What happens when counterfeiting, crypto, and trademarks collide? This episode of Brand & New takes you inside the fast-moving world of Web3, where brand protection meets blockchain. Host Willard Knox chats with Moish Peltz, Co-Managing Partner at Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP (USA), about the opportunities, and risks, facing companies in decentralized digital spaces. In his daily practice, Mr. Peltz coordinates between the Digital Asset Practice Group and all other practice groups of the firm. He also advises numerous venture technology companies on emerging technology and blockchain matters, with a focus on the intersection of IP and blockchain. He has been advising cryptocurrency ventures since 2014 and combines his knowledge of the blockchain with a decade of IP and business law experience where he helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses and brands and resolve disputes. From NFTs to stablecoins to enforcement strategies that actually work, in this episode of Brand & New, you'll learn why blockchain is reshaping how brands defend their identities online. This episode was recorded during INTA's 2025 Annual Meeting in San Diego, California. RESOURCES: About Moish Peltz Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs): A Report From INTA (2023) "Back to the Future with Blockchain Domain Names: Toward A Global Policy to Fight Cybersquatting in Web 3.0" (The Trademark Reporter, July 2024)

London has once again been recognized as the world’s leading city brand, topping the Brand Finance Global City Index for the second consecutive year. But what does it mean for a city to be a “brand,” and what factors contribute to London’s enduring global appeal? In this episode of Brand & New, we explore how London has built and sustained its reputation as a destination admired worldwide for all the right reasons: its dynamic business environment, its rich cultural heritage, its academic and scientific excellence, and its ability to innovate and adapt. And as INTA gets set to head to London for its 2026 Annual Meeting, we ask what lessons other cities and global businesses can learn from London’s example. We are joined by two distinguished voices, Konrad Jagodzinski, Place Branding Director at Brand Finance, and Tracy Halliwell MBE, Director of Tourism, Conventions, and Major Events at London & Partners. Together, they discuss how London continues to thrive as a global brand and why its blend of commerce, culture, and creativity keeps it at the top of the world stage. This episode of Brand & New is hosted by Willard Knox. Related Resources: About Konrad Jagodzinski About Tracy Halliwell About Brand Finance Brand Finance lobal City Index 2024 About INTA 2026 Annual Meeting

The numbers tell a stark story: According to a recent study from the United Nations, women are three times more likely than men to lose their jobs to AI automation, 25 percent less likely to adopt AI tools, and represent only 22 percent of AI professionals globally. In this episode of Brand & New, host Ayala Deutsch explores this critical paradox with Dr. Felicia Newhouse, founder of the AI Powered Women Summit at MIT, and Nikita Roy, founder of Newsroom Robots Labs, host of the globally acclaimed Newsroom Robots podcast, and guest lecturer at the University of Toronto. Together, they shed light on how women can move from the margins to the center of AI development, leveraging unique strengths to shape technology that truly serves humanity. From overcoming impostor syndrome to building AI-powered businesses, this conversation provides concrete strategies for women to claim their space in the AI revolution. This episode of Brand & New was produced in collaboration with The Women’s LeadershIP Initiative as part of The Women Leaders Series. The series brings together women leaders in diverse roles, not just in the IP space, but within brands, small businesses, and beyond. RESOURCES: About Dr. Felicia Newhouse About Nikita Roy AI Powered Women Summit Newroom Robots AI Journalism Lab at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism Shattering Systemic Barriers: How to Advance Gender Diversity in the Intellectual Property Profession (INTA, 2024)

In this episode of Brand & New, we’re bringing you the human story behind the headlines. Willard Knox sits down with Mariya Ortynska and Yuliya Prokhoda from the National Association of Patent Attorneys of Ukraine (NAPA) for a conversation that redefines what it means to practice law under impossible circumstances. From distributing laptops during air raids to maintaining client deadlines while missiles fall, these attorneys embody resilience. This episode isn’t just about trademark law or patent prosecution; it’s about the unbreakable human spirit and the belief that innovation and legal protection must continue, especially in humanity’s darkest hours. *This episode was pre-recorded during INTA’s 2025 Annual Meeting, May 17-21, in San Diego, California. Resources: About NAPA About Mariya Ortynska About Yuliya Prokhoda INTA Resouces: The Status of Intellectual Property in Russia and Ukraine

On this episode of Brand & New, INTA Chief Policy Officer Heather Steinmeyer sits down with David Gooder, INTA's newly appointed Senior Advisor and former Commissioner for Trademarks at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). In this insightful conversation recorded at INTA's 2025 Annual Meeting in San Diego, California, Ms. Steinmeyer and Mr. Gooder explore the evolving role of global intellectual property (IP) offices, as well as the delicate balance IP offices must strike between serving their users and advancing broader competitiveness goals. Mr. Gooder shares his unique perspective from both sides of the IP ecosystem, having worked as chief trademark counsel at Jack Daniels Properties before leading the USPTO's trademark operations through five transformative years. As he transitions into his new role helping INTA deepen collaboration with IP offices worldwide, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of IP protection and the strategic importance of trademark systems in fostering global competitiveness. Resources: About David Gooder INTA Welcomes David Gooder as Senior Advisor (INTA, May 2025) David Gooder to depart USPTO (USPTO, February 2025)

The theme for World IP Day 2025 is "IP and Music: Feel the Beat of IP." In celebration, this episode of Brand & New features the founders of The Opposition™, a band comprised entirely of International Trademark Association (INTA) members. Host Willard Knox, chats with two of the band’s co-founders, Richard Dissman and Jason Vogel, to uncover how this unique musical collective came together and evolved into a must-see phenomenon at INTA Annual Meetings. From their humble beginnings to drawing crowds of 2,000+ intellectual property (IP) professionals at their performance at the 2024 Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, The Opposition™ shares behind-the-scenes stories of balancing legal careers with their love for music. The duo also offers fascinating insights on the intersection of IP and AI in the music industry. Resources: World IP Day About Richard Dissman About Jason Vogel

Today we're kicking off the first of four episodes of our Women Leaders Series, presented in collaboration with INTA’s Women's LeadershIP Initiative. Now in its fifth year, the Women's LeadershIP Initiative was launched to champion and advance women's leadership in intellectual property (IP), and today's episode is the perfect embodiment of that mission as we explore the remarkable history of women in IP. On this episode of Brand & New, host Ayala Deutsch talks with two distinguished guests who offer unique perspectives on women in the field — Virginia S. Taylor, who has had an illustrious career spanning decades in IP law, and Professor Amanda Levendowski, founding director of The Intellectual Property and Information Policy Clinic at Georgetown Law. Resources: Amanda Levendowski Virginia S. Taylor About Florence King About Edith Griswold About Miriam E. Benjamin About Barbara Ringer The Women’s LeadershIP Initiative Marks Five-Year Anniversary

In part one of our special investigation, guest host Alastair Gray, Director of Anticounterfeiting at INTA, explores how dupes evolved from simple product alternatives into a cultural movement that's reshaping retail. The episode traces this evolution from INTA's 2019 study on Gen Z's relationship with counterfeit products to today's viral dupe culture. The journey begins with intellectual property attorney David Lipkus breaking down the crucial legal distinctions between dupes and counterfeits. Brand strategist Jessica Binns then examines how social media has normalized and amplified dupe culture among young consumers. The episode culminates with insights from beauty influencer Cassandra Bankson, who shares a unique perspective from the front lines of this movement, including how she evaluates and recommends dupes to her more than two million followers. This episode is part one of a special series in collaboration with INTA's Unreal Campaign, an initiative that educates young consumers about the importance of trademarks and brands. Inside the Dupe Revolution | Part 2 RESOURCES: About Cassandra BanksonAbout Jessica BinnsAbout Alastair GrayAbout David LipkusINTA's Gen Z Insights: Brands and Counterfeit Products StudyAbout the Unreal CampaignINTA Fact Sheet: Protecting a Trademark

In part one of our special series, we examined how brands are responding to the dupe revolution. As young consumers embrace affordable alternatives, traditional brands face a choice: adapt or risk losing an entire generation of customers. Here, brand expert Jessica Binns returns to analyze how some brands are successfully navigating this new landscape and the broader implications for brand loyalty. IP attorney David Lipkus delves into the legal tools available to brands and explores how different jurisdictions approach the legality of dupes. The episode features an extended conversation with influencer Cassandra Bankson. This episode is part two of a special series in collaboration with INTA's Unreal Campaign, an initiative that educates young consumers about the importance of trademarks and brands. Inside the Dupe Revolution | Part 1 RESOURCES: INTA's Gen Z Insights: Brands and Counterfeit Products StudyAbout the Unreal CampaignINTA Fact Sheet: Protecting a TrademarkAbout Cassandra BanksonAbout Jessica BinnsAbout Alastair GrayAbout David Lipkus

We're wrapping up the year with a special episode of Brand & New. Throughout the year, we concluded each episode by posing the same three thought-provoking questions to our distinguished guests, generating fascinating and sometimes surprising responses that reveal their diverse perspectives of the world today. Today, you'll hear rapid-fire insights from our incredible lineup of guests that represent the brightest minds in IP, business, and beyond. Whether you're a longtime listener or new to Brand & New, this episode—featuring our hosts Ayala Deutsch, Willard Knox, and Heather Steinmeyer—offers a perfect snapshot of the critical conversations driving brands and intellectual property forward. Resources: The International Trademark Association (INTA)

In this fourth and final episode in the “Women Leaders Series,” Ayala Deutsch, host of Brand & New and Executive Vice President & Deputy General Counsel at NBA Properties, speaks with Daniela Pierre-Bravo. Ms. Pierre-Bravo is a force to be reckoned with in the media world and beyond. As a journalist, bestselling author, and fierce advocate for young professionals and women of color, she brings a fresh perspective that's both inspiring and actionable. From her journey as a former DACA recipient to becoming a prominent voice in career development, her story is one of resilience, determination, and breaking barriers. Ms. Pierre-Bravo shares how she's redefining success on her own terms. The Women Leaders Series is a collaboration between Brand & New and The Women’s LeadershIP Initiative. The series brings together women leaders in diverse roles, not just in the IP space, but within brands, small businesses, and beyond. This episode is sponsored by Sideman & Bancroft and includes an interview with partner Kelly P. McCarthy. Based in San Francisco, California, Sideman and Bancroft is proud to be a women-owned business and leader within the IP community in terms of its commitment to diversity and how it promotes equal opportunity. It is also the sponsor of INTA’s recently published gender indicator study, Shattering Systemic Barriers: How to Advance Gender Diversity in the Intellectual Property Profession. RESOURCES: About Daniela Pierre-BravoAbout Sidman and BancroftAbout Kelly P. McCarthyShattering Systemic Barriers: How to Advance Gender Diversity in the Intellectual Property Profession Shattering Systemic Barriers Press Release

We're diving into a challenge that's been brewing in the world of intellectual property (IP) for quite some time: The public's misunderstanding of IP, particularly trademarks. Earlier this year, an INTA Presidential Task Force published a report titled Unlocking IP. The report shed light on a critical issue: the consequences of inaccurate or incomplete IP reporting in mainstream media. The message was clear—the media bears a responsibility to educate the public accurately on IP matters. In this episode of Brand and New, we're turning the tables. We're exploring the perspective of a visionary media CEO and a seasoned IP journalist, both experts at navigating and communicating intricate subjects in our rapidly evolving media landscape. Nicholas Thompson is the CEO of The Atlantic and Trevor Little is Managing Editor of IAM and World Trademark Review. Mr. Little is also a long-time INTA member and one of two INTA members who led the Unlocking IP Presidential Task Force. Related Resources Nicholas ThompsonTrevor LittleUnlocking IP Presidential Task Force ReportUnlocking IP Press ReleaseUnlocking IP: INTA’s Media MissionINTA Bulletin

Whether they discover new brands on social media or loyally purchase the same brands as their grandparents, consumers today encounter a variety of products and services designed to satisfy their diverse needs and preferences. The sum of these purchases is a core driver of economic growth. In today’s economy, intangible assets play a large role in shaping customer behavior and purchasing habits. Consumers are anticipating a logo, recalling a jingle, or associating a product with an influencer. How does a company determine which of these marketing assets to invest in? How do investors assess the company’s intellectual property (IP) to calculate future returns? And how can governments understand whether the businesses in their jurisdiction are creating IP that is likely to fuel economic growth? Brand valuation provides a way to standardize questions such as these. Instead of having to subjectively describe why a brand is valuable, an organization can now quantify, assess, and benchmark intangible assets, and strategize accordingly, through brand valuation exercises. INTA is approaching the valuation and commercialization of brands as a strategic priority within in 2022–2025 Strategic Plan. The Association is committed to provide brand professionals with a solid understanding of brand valuation and evaluation, to help them become key partners to their finance teams and effectively communicate the value of trademarks to both members of the C-suite and externally. Earlier this year, INTA recently published the Presidential Task Force Report on IP Reporting for Brands. Valuation methodologies are also covered in its Finance for Non-Finance Legal Professionals Certificate Program. Today’s guest is David Haigh, the founder and CEO of Brand Finance Plc. He is a pioneer and foremost expert in brand valuation. He has worked in the field of branded business, and brand and intangible asset valuation since 1991 and, since 1995, has specialized entirely in this area. Mr. Haigh has represented the British Standards Institution in the working parties responsible for crafting international industry standards and has authored many articles on brand valuation, having been published in numerous marketing and finance newspapers and magazines, including Accountancy Age, the Financial Times, and Marketing Week. He has also lectured on the topic of brand valuation at business schools around the world. Mr. Haigh graduated from Bristol University with an English degree, qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Price Waterhouse in London, and obtained a postgraduate diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). He is a Fellow of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and has a practicing certificate with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). Related Resources About David HaighAbout the Brand Finance InstituteBrands: Past, Present, and FutureBrand & NewIP Reporting for Brands Presidential Taskforce ReportFinance for Non-Finance Legal Professionals Certificate Program