On 24 September, Director B. Erin Crockett spoke at IPWatchdog Studios’ Third Annual Women’s IP Forum in a panel discussion titled “AI Confidential: Protecting Trade Secrets When Every Employee Has an AI Tool.” The panel explored legal risks created by public AI tools, prompt retention, training rights, and confidentiality terms. The discussion examined when trade secrets are the right strategic choice to protect IP, whether patent protection remains essential, and how companies can preserve their competitive edge without compromising sensitive information. Dr. Crockett provided expertise on remedies and damages specific to trade secret misappropriation and how AI may impact the determination of such.

Dr. Crockett spoke alongside Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Sarah Lopano, Solventum Assistant Chief IP Counsel Cynthia Mitchell, and Capital One Assistant General Counsel for IP Director Thara Russell.