Delighted to catch up with Jomarie Fredericks. A key priority for her as President of International Trademark Association (INTA) is to focus on media outreach and the public’s perception of intellectual property. Earlier this month, INTA and the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) met virtually to identify areas for collaboration. She will also headline its Annual Meeting in Singapore this May.

As an alumna of University of Illinois Chicago School of Law (then the John Marshall Law School), Jomarie has been unstinting her support for its IP program. Her contacts were and still are an invaluable source of good speakers. As director, I sought her advice on a range of matters. She guest-lectured in my classes and shared insights from her work managing Rotary International‘s IP portfolio with our students. When the USPTO named her to its prestigious Trademark Public Advisory Committee, Chicago gained a feather in its cap.

INTA is a global association of brand owners and professionals dedicated to supporting trademarks and complementary IP to foster consumer trust, economic growth, and innovation, and committed to building a better society through brands. As it seeks new opportunities in the post-pandemic world while navigating geopolitical tensions and rapid technological changes, the difference it can make is tremendous. I wish Jomarie and her team every success.