I’m Attending the AIPLA Annual Conference: Exploring the Intersection of IP Law, Immigration, and Entrepreneurial Support

I’m excited to share that I will be attending this year’s AIPLA (American Intellectual Property Law Association) Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., and I’m especially looking forward to the conversations that emerge at the intersection of intellectual property (IP) law and U.S. immigration law.

This event is a unique opportunity to connect with legal professionals from around the world, and as someone deeply involved in E-1 and E-2 visa work for entrepreneurs, I believe there’s so much to be gained from engaging with fellow practitioners in complementary practice areas.

Why the Intersection of IP and Immigration Law Matters

At first glance, IP and immigration might seem like two very different areas of law. But in today’s global economy, they’re more connected than ever. Businesses, startups, and creative professionals rely on both strong intellectual property protection and a clear pathway to establish themselves in the U.S.

For example:

• A foreign entrepreneur launching a tech startup in the U.S. under an E-2 investor visa must protect their innovative technology with the help of IP professionals.
  
  
• A trademark or patent holder outside the U.S. looking to expand into the U.S. market may benefit from an E-1 treaty trader visa, especially when involved in international licensing or distribution.
  
  

These are not isolated needs and they often go hand in hand.

Why IP and Immigration Law Must Work Together, but Rarely Do Under One Roof

One important reality I’ve observed in practice is most law firms that specialize in immigration law don’t also offer intellectual property services, and vice versa. Both areas are highly technical and fast-changing, requiring deep expertise and continual learning. That’s why many firms, mine included, focus on doing one thing exceptionally well rather than trying to be a one-stop shop.

This means that entrepreneurs, investors, and growing businesses often need more than one legal partner to succeed. A founder launching a startup in the U.S. might need:

• An immigration attorney to secure an E-2 visa
  
  
• An IP attorney to file patents, trademarks, or protect their licensing rights
  
  
• A corporate attorney to structure their business properly
  
  

As lawyers, it’s our job not only to do our part well, but to connect clients with other trustworthy professionals in related fields. When I work with clients whose businesses rely on intellectual property, I make a point of referring them to IP lawyers I know and trust, especially those who understand the international dimension of their needs.

This kind of cross-referral and collaboration is essential to providing great client outcomes.

Building a Stronger Legal Ecosystem for Entrepreneurs

Legal support for entrepreneurs shouldn’t feel fragmented or confusing. My goal is to be a trusted guide, and part of that role is helping clients build their “legal team”.

At events like the AIPLA Annual Meeting, I’m excited to meet more colleagues in intellectual property law who share this client-centered approach. The more we understand each other’s practice areas, the better we can support international founders, creatives, and innovators building businesses in the U.S.

Supporting Global Entrepreneurs Through E-1 and E-2 Visas

Part of my legal practice focuses on helping international entrepreneurs and investors navigate the complex U.S. immigration system through E-1 Treaty Trader and E-2 Treaty Investor visas. These visa categories are ideal for:

• Business owners launching U.S.-based operations
  
  
• Investors from treaty countries putting significant capital into a new or existing business
  
  
• International companies expanding their trade presence in the U.S.

Through this work, I’ve had the privilege of supporting tech founders, creative startups, and international brands that rely heavily on intellectual property as a core business asset.

Whether it’s helping an entrepreneur move to the U.S. to build their IP-heavy startup or working with a product designer launching an e-commerce brand, immigration and IP strategy must work in tandem for long-term success.

AIPLA: A Space for Global Collaboration

The AIPLA Annual Conference is one of the premier events for IP professionals, attracting lawyers, patent agents, trademark attorneys, and thought leaders from across the globe. What I value most about this event is the spirit of collaboration and learning.

As an immigration attorney, I’m particularly excited to:

• Build relationships with IP attorneys whose clients may need U.S. immigration solutions
  
  
• Learn how evolving global IP trends impact business immigration strategies
  
  
• Explore potential partnerships across borders to support innovative clients with complex needs

Attending AIPLA reinforces something I’ve always believed: community and connection are at the heart of good legal practice. No lawyer works in a vacuum, especially when supporting entrepreneurs who are wearing multiple hats, from inventor, to founder, to brand builder.

The Role of IP in U.S. Immigration Strategy

One emerging trend is how intellectual property is becoming a key asset in immigration cases, especially for E-2 visas. U.S. consulates are increasingly looking for:

• Registered trademarks or pending applications
  
  
• Licensing agreements that show value
  
  
• Patents or patent-pending innovations tied to the business
  
  

If you're an IP attorney supporting a foreign entrepreneur, collaborating with an immigration lawyer can help strengthen your client's U.S. market entry by aligning IP assets with visa eligibility requirements.

I believe this kind of cross-disciplinary collaboration is the future of both fields.

Why Community Matters in Law

Beyond the technical work of visas and trademarks, what brings me to events like AIPLA is the opportunity to build community with fellow professionals. Whether it’s a quick coffee chat between sessions or a deeper conversation about cross-border legal strategy, these moments create opportunities to learn from each other and ultimately provide more holistic support to the businesses we serve.

If you’re attending the conference and passionate about immigration, entrepreneurship, or international IP, I’d love to connect. My door is always open to brainstorm, collaborate, or simply share insights over lunch.

Looking Ahead

As I prepare to attend the AIPLA Annual Meeting, I’m reminded of how much I love connecting with colleagues and how much I enjoy supporting people with big ideas and bold ambitions. Whether that’s a fellow attorney, a founder building a tech solution that will change the world, or a creative launching a global brand, I’m here to help. And I know that’s only possible through collaboration with brilliant colleagues in adjacent areas of law, including intellectual property.

See you at AIPLA’s Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.!