CITMA Paralegal Conference - Building your future

Eric Mills is a seasoned U.S. intellectual property attorney.

He devotes a significant portion of his practice to preparing and prosecuting patent and trademark applications before the USPTO and in foreign jurisdictions, as well as advising on issues of patent and trademark infringement.

He has a broad background in strategic planning and management of client intellectual property portfolios, including acquisition, maintenance, and licensing of U.S. and foreign patent and trademark assets. 

He also partners with various universities in order to protect intellectual property developed at the educational institution level.

Kane Ridley, Brandit Ports

Kane is a Partner and Director of Brand Operations at both BRANDIT.com and Ports Group, where he oversees the strategic and operational aspects of trade mark and domain name services. Kane is also an active member of the International Trademark Association (INTA) and the Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (CITMA), where he serves on various committees and working groups, and represent the paralegal community.

Kane has a strong background in trade mark formalities, renewals, and management, as well as marketing and customer service. He is passionate about delivering high-quality and efficient solutions to clients, enhancing brand protection and awareness, and fostering collaboration and innovation within the industry.

Victoria Rodriguez, Bristows

Victoria specialises in all aspects of trade marks and has particular experience in managing large international trade mark portfolios, both domestically and across foreign jurisdictions, for iconic media brands as well as leaders in medical and dental goods.

Victoria is a solicitor of England and Wales as well as an Argentinian qualified lawyer, with substantial experience in both jurisdictions.

Prior to joining Bristows in 2017 she spent three years working at Berwin Leighton Paisner; before which she worked at the Civil and Commercial Court of Appeals in Argentina for four years.

In addition to her experience in private practice, Victoria has participated in several seminars as a guest lecturer. She is also a non-executive member of the IPSoc Committee.

Azhar Sadique, Brandit Ports

Azhar is a visionary intellectual property expert, committed to revolutionising the IP industry and championing innovation. With a wealth of experience in trade mark practice and product creation, Azhar has been a key member of advisory boards and Committees within the industry, offering valuable insights and helping to shape the future of IP services.

Leading the way in innovation, Azhar is dedicated to changing the game in IP services, utilising the potential of technology, cryptocurrency, and NFTs to create a smooth, efficient, and client-focused experience. As a respected thought leader, Azhar frequently contributes to the CITMA Review, CIPA Journal and has lectured for various prestigious IP institutions.

Daniel Smith-Juggins, Stobbs IP

Daniel is a part-qualified Trade Mark Attorney and Online Brand Enforcement Specialist at Stobbs IP Ltd.

He has over seven years’ experience in online brand enforcement and has a passion for domain disputes.

Daniel has filed numerous domain complaints via WIPO’s UDRP process and complaints via international forums such as Nominet’s DRS, China’s CNDRP and the usDRP.