Join Dennemeyer and Technology Transfer Office (TTO) executives for a candid 1-hr panel session.
This session explores how academic institutions are reinventing their patent‑licensing playbooks amid shrinking budgets, AI‑driven discovery cycles, and more fluid deal structures. We’ll tackle the toughest obstacles—everything from faculty engagement to global enforcement—and show how analytics platforms like Octimine convert sprawling patent data into fast, confident decision-making and licensing calls.
What You’ll Learn -
- 2025 Market Reality Check – the latest trends & hot sectors, and why licensing deals are on the rise
- Overcoming TTO Pain Points – budget constraints, talent turnover, inventorship controversies, and cross‑border compliance—all surfaced through real‑world examples
- Playbook for “License‑Ready” Assets – step‑by‑step workflows to rank inventions, map white space, and spotlight under‑served markets before industry scouts do
- AI as a Force Multiplier – learn how Octimine’s advanced analytics, similarity scoring, citation analytics, and litigation-risk flags, accelerate everything from prior-art assessment to royalty benchmarking, reclaiming 20-40 hours per case for your team.
- Human + AI Collaboration – understand why AI handles the majority of initial IP analysis, while human insight remains essential for nuanced decision-making, quality assurance, and the strategic translation of AI outputs
- Equity and Access in IP – explore how AI tools are leveling the playing field by supporting inclusivity and equitable access, benefiting underrepresented inventors and enhancing data quality for TTO teams
Guest Speaker
Alexander Turo
Licensing Manager, Tech Transfer, Rutgers University
As a Licensing Manager at Rutgers University, Alex Turo is an advocate for the thousands of faculty, staff, and students conducting research at Rutgers. Whether he is supporting a postdoc working towards their first startup, or a faculty member filling out an invention disclosure form for the first time, he enjoys being the friendly face that demystifies the process and makes each inventor feel seen and valued.
Prior to his current role, Alex was a member of the business development team at Columbia Technology Ventures where he managed venture-backed technology accelerator programming. He received his doctorate from The Ohio State University, where he was also a licensing fellow.
Alex also enjoys reviewing grants for SBIR/STTR and CDMRP and instructing an Intellectual Property Strategy course at Rutgers.
Connect with Alex via LinkedIn.
Guest Speaker
Jacob Croft
Director of Licensing and Commercialization, The University of Texas at El Paso
Jacob R. Croft is the Director of Licensing and Commercialization at The University of Texas at El Paso, where he helps move ideas and discoveries from the university into the marketplace. In his role, Jacob works closely with researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry partners to turn innovations into patents, licenses, and new startup opportunities.
Before joining UTEP in 2024, Jacob served in several roles around biological research in human disease models. Jacob has guided faculty and student innovators across various fields, including biotechnology, advanced materials, and energy technologies. He’s passionate about connecting academic research with real-world impact and building collaborations that drive both economic growth and social benefit.
Jacob earned a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Arizona State University and a Master of Science in Biology from New Mexico State University. He has published over 10 academic papers in the fields of human health and biomarkers through various peer-reviewed journals.
Connect with Jacob via LinkedIn.
Guest Speaker
Sadhana Chitale
Senior Director, Life Sciences & Tech Transfer, New York University
Dr. Sadhana Chitale is the Senior Director of Life Sciences/Technology Transfer at NYU’s Technology Opportunities and Ventures Office. Sadhana joined New York University in 2001. Her primary area of responsibility is the management of intellectual property and technology transfer matters (Life Sciences). Prior to joining NYU, Sadhana was a Licensing Manager at the Weill Cornell Medical School.
Sadhana received her PhD from the University of Mumbai and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. She did her post-doctoral fellowships at Colorado State University and Weill Cornell Medical School. She is a Certified Licensing Professional and a registered patent agent. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Association of University Technology Managers.
Connect with Sadhana via LinkedIn.
Kim Swanson
Head of Commercial, Dennemeyer Americas
Kim Swanson joined Dennemeyer in 2021 and has been active in the intellectual property (IP) field since 2002.
Before joining Dennemeyer, she held senior leadership roles with several global IP service providers, serving as Director – North America and Global Channel Director. Over the course of her career, Kim has consistently driven commercial success through strategic sales initiatives, revenue retention, key partnerships, and growth planning.
Areas of expertise: commercial contracts, patents, IP strategy, portfolio management, technology commercialization, risk management, sales, key account management, negotiations, project management, as well as mentoring and coaching.
Connect with Kim via LinkedIn.
Jonas Block
Jonas Block is an accomplished Attorney-at-Law in Germany and a registered representative of the Unified Patent Court (UPC). He holds a PhD from the University of Freiburg, where his thesis explored automated licensing of standard essential patents using AI and blockchain technology.
With extensive experience in patent infringement cases, Jonas has represented clients ranging from SMEs to multinational corporations in all specialized German courts, the UPC, and the Court of Justice of the European Union. His previous roles include positions at Bird & Bird LLP and Kather Augenstein Rechtsanwälte in Düsseldorf.
Additionally, Jonas is a visiting professor at IÉSEG School of Management in Paris and Lille, teaching "Blockchain for Business." His expertise positions him as a leading voice in the intellectual property landscape.