2025 European Conference Agenda

Stop by the Registration desk to receive your badge, agenda brochures, and other conference materials. The agenda will also be accessible by mobile app through Aventri. Plan out your conference sessions. The registration desk is staffed throughout the conference, attendees are encouraged to stop by with questions or concerns throughout the conference.

Mobile App Instructions – coming soon!

We will be continuing the recently added New Attendee Orientation in London! Join ITechLaw Ambassadors for a quick rundown on ITechLaw conference need to know info and meet the Ambassadors team. This session will have a brief welcome, and conclude with a short networking session. Attendees are encouraged to attend the Substantive Law Committee (SLC) sessions which will begin immediately following the New Attendee Orientation.

We are excited to welcome all new attendees to our New Attendee Reception! Join us for a quick introduction followed by networking and camaraderie. This is a perfect opportunity to meet fellow newcomers and learn more about the conference. Enjoy light refreshments while engaging in conversations that will help you make the most of your experience. We look forward to seeing you there and helping you feel right at home!

Location: Convene @ 155 Bishopsgate

This event marks the official kickoff of the conference and offers a wonderful opportunity to mingle with fellow attendees, speakers, and organizers in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Enjoy delicious refreshments and light bites as you connect with others and set the stage for an engaging and inspiring event. We look forward to welcoming you and kicking off the conference!

Dine Arounds are a beloved part of the ITechLaw conference program, providing an informal, small setting opportunity to network and meet fellow ITechLaw members. More details will be coming soon.

Location: Lady Abercorn’s, 40 Liverpool St, London EC2M 7QN, United Kingdom

Join us for the Young Lawyers Reception hosted by the Young Lawyers Committee. The event is designed specifically for younger, emerging legal professionals to connect, share experiences, and build valuable relationships within the industry. Enjoy an evening of networking with peers and mentors while discussing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by young lawyers today and to learn about the value of professional networks. We look forward to seeing you there and fostering a supportive community for the next generation of legal leaders!

Stop by the Registration desk to receive your badge, agenda brochures, and other conference materials. The agenda will also be accessible by mobile app through Aventri. Plan out your conference sessions. The registration desk is staffed throughout the conference, attendees are encouraged to stop by with questions or concerns throughout the conference.

Mobile App Instructions – coming soon!

A fascinating session to kick start the conference, the stellar panel will explore the future of Tech. Drawing from the findings of Gartner Top 10 Strategic Technology Trends for 2025, the panel will focus on Agentic AI, Quantum, Neurological enhancement and Robotics, to highlight exciting emerging and growing technologies.

Join your colleagues for networking opportunities, designed to foster connections and collaboration! Attendees are encouraged to take this opportunity to engage with fellow participants, share ideas, and build valuable relationships in a relaxed atmosphere. Refreshments will be provided to keep you energized as you network. Make the most of these moments and expand your professional network!

The Roundtable Discussions are a highly interactive session that will kick off the conference. The topics will each have an assigned table and two facilitators to conduct a brief speed networking and overview of the topic. Attendees will have two chances to participate in 30-minute engaging discussions with the table facilitators on these topics.

Topics will be provided prior to the conference.

Join your colleagues for networking opporutunities, designed to foster connections and collaboration! Attendees are encouraged to take this opportunity to engage with fellow participants, share ideas, and build valuable relationships in a relaxed atmosphere. Lunch will be provided to keep you energized as you network. Make the most of these moments and expand your professional network!

This 120 minute block will be split into four 30-minute sessions covering the following topics:

Note: These AI topics/session will repeat in session 3A at 3:30pm.

Session 1: Panel – AI Law – International Trends in Regulation

Synopsis: As the EU AI Act comes into force, what lessons are being learned in other parts of the world in relation to AI regulation?  How are different countries approaching the same risks and concerns?  Is the EU model being adopted or eschewed and how can regulatory frameworks deal with the challenges of new developments in artificial intelligence, such as agentic AI?  This panel will explore the issues and give a global perspective on regulatory trends.

Moderator:

• TBC

Panelists:

• Jim Gatto, Shepherd Mullin (USA)
• Neeha Chaudhury, Ikagai Law (India)
• Javier Torre De Silva, CMS (EU, Spain)

Session 2: Ask The AI Expert, with Duncan Anderson of Barnacle Labs

Synopsis: Are you mystified by the artificial intelligence and the more esoteric aspects of Generative AI and machine learning?  Or are you simply looking for answers to questions that you’ve not been able to ask elsewhere?  In this session, Sonja Durager will interview Duncan Anderson, founder of Barnacle Labs and then hand the session over to the audience where you quiz Duncan on that burning issue!

As the former European CTO for IBM Watson AI, Duncan has over a decade of experience in enterprise AI and brings a career of high-profile technical leadership roles spanning several decades. A believer in ‘you cannot manage what you do not understand’, Duncan spends much of his time working hands-on with Generative AI, personally building solutions and providing broader leadership informed by his practical experiences. Duncan has been featured in Wired magazine and interviewed in a Channel 4 documentary about AI.

Interviewer:

• Sonja Durager, Current AI SLA Vice Chair, BPV Heugel (EU, Austria)

Interviewee:

• Duncan Anderson, Founder Barnacle Labs

Session 3: Panel – AI and IP, the latest developments

Synopsis:  Intellectual property is a key battleground both for AI platforms seeking to train their models and traditional content providers looking to protect investment in their assets.  This is without the ongoing debate over the extent to which traditional IP rights (whether copyright, trade secrets or patents) can attach to AI generated materials.   This panel will look at the global and regional trends in relation to AI and intellectual property, and examine the details of some of the more seminal judgments.    How can content owners better protect their rights, and how can platforms legitimately seek to make use of web-scraped content?  Our panel will seek to uncover the salient issues and work to provide practical solutions from both perspectives.

Moderator:

• Matt Hervey, General Counsel, Human Native AI

Panelists:

• TBC
• TBC
• Anitka Sabharwal, Chadha and Chadha (India)

Session 4: AI issues in Commercial Disputes

Synopsis:  Much of the attention in relation to AI disputes is focussed on IP, and comparatively little attention is given to other fundamental issues which are peculiar to IP related disputes such as the impact of AI generated disinformation, the impact of problematic evidential hurdles such as lack of explainability and how bias and discrimination may impact liability.    This is without considering the wholesale embedding of AI powered tools into litigation procedure which may ironically enhance these concerns.  Our panel will look at the pervasive impact of AI on general litigation procedure and dispute resolution and give practical insights on how to mitigate and manage these risks.

Moderator:

• Sofia Kilmar, TozziniFreire Advogados (Brazil)

Panelists:

• Lizzie Williams, Harbottle and Lewis (UK)
• Molly-Mae Keston, Farrer and Co (UK)
• Mark Hayes, Hayes eLaw (Canada)

A deep dive into topical issues in sourcing. This will be a guided interactive discussion focusing on case studies, and sharing market insights and discussing key areas such as liability apportionment; contract management and role of third parties; data sharing and addressing regulatory compliance; and termination triggers and consequences.

A deep dive into cyber security and operational resilience. Kicking off with a keynote introduction from the National Cyber Security Centre, this workshop will discuss the increasing cyber regulation, management of ransom demands and cyber related litigation through an interactive scenario and panel discussions.

Session 2D will spend the first hour discussion MedTech and the second hour of the sesssion discussion FinTech and Finance.

Join your colleagues for networking opportunities, designed to foster connections and collaboration! Attendees are encouraged to take this opportunity to engage with fellow participants, share ideas, and build valuable relationships in a relaxed atmosphere. Refreshments will be provided to keep you energized as you network. Make the most of these moments and expand your professional network!

Please note, this is a session/topics covered in 2A. This 120 minute block will be split into four 30-minute sessions covering the following topics:

Session 1: Panel – AI Law – International Trends in Regulation

Synopsis: As the EU AI Act comes into force, what lessons are being learned in other parts of the world in relation to AI regulation?  How are different countries approaching the same risks and concerns?  Is the EU model being adopted or eschewed and how can regulatory frameworks deal with the challenges of new developments in artificial intelligence, such as agentic AI?  This panel will explore the issues and give a global perspective on regulatory trends.

Moderator:

• TBC

Panelists:

• Jim Gatto, Shepherd Mullin (USA)
• Neeha Chaudhury, Ikagai Law (India)
• Javier Torre De Silva, CMS (EU, Spain)

Session 2: Ask The AI Expert, with Duncan Anderson of Barnacle Labs

Synopsis: Are you mystified by the artificial intelligence and the more esoteric aspects of Generative AI and machine learning?  Or are you simply looking for answers to questions that you’ve not been able to ask elsewhere?  In this session, Sonja Durager will interview Duncan Anderson, founder of Barnacle Labs and then hand the session over to the audience where you quiz Duncan on that burning issue!

As the former European CTO for IBM Watson AI, Duncan has over a decade of experience in enterprise AI and brings a career of high-profile technical leadership roles spanning several decades. A believer in ‘you cannot manage what you do not understand’, Duncan spends much of his time working hands-on with Generative AI, personally building solutions and providing broader leadership informed by his practical experiences. Duncan has been featured in Wired magazine and interviewed in a Channel 4 documentary about AI.

Interviewer:

• Sonja Durager, Current AI SLA Vice Chair, BPV Heugel (EU, Austria)

Interviewee:

• Duncan Anderson, Founder Barnacle Labs

Session 3: Panel – AI and IP, the latest developments

Synopsis:  Intellectual property is a key battleground both for AI platforms seeking to train their models and traditional content providers looking to protect investment in their assets.  This is without the ongoing debate over the extent to which traditional IP rights (whether copyright, trade secrets or patents) can attach to AI generated materials.   This panel will look at the global and regional trends in relation to AI and intellectual property, and examine the details of some of the more seminal judgments.    How can content owners better protect their rights, and how can platforms legitimately seek to make use of web-scraped content?  Our panel will seek to uncover the salient issues and work to provide practical solutions from both perspectives.

Moderator:

• Matt Hervey, General Counsel, Human Native AI

Panelists:

• TBC
• TBC
• Anitka Sabharwal, Chadha and Chadha (India)

Session 4: AI issues in Commercial Disputes

Synopsis:  Much of the attention in relation to AI disputes is focussed on IP, and comparatively little attention is given to other fundamental issues which are peculiar to IP related disputes such as the impact of AI generated disinformation, the impact of problematic evidential hurdles such as lack of explainability and how bias and discrimination may impact liability.    This is without considering the wholesale embedding of AI powered tools into litigation procedure which may ironically enhance these concerns.  Our panel will look at the pervasive impact of AI on general litigation procedure and dispute resolution and give practical insights on how to mitigate and manage these risks.

Moderator:

• Sofia Kilmar, TozziniFreire Advogados (Brazil)

Panelists:

• Lizzie Williams, Harbottle and Lewis (UK)
• Molly-Mae Keston, Farrer and Co (UK)
• Mark Hayes, Hayes eLaw (Canada)

Details coming soon!

Details coming soon!

From smart factories to AI-assisted property deals, digital transformation is reshaping traditional sectors such as real estate, energy & utilities, mining & raw materials and manufacturing. But with innovation comes a range of issues, including a tangle of cross-border data collection rules, conflicting legal requirements as well as an increasing number of ESG reporting obligations. This session explores how businesses can modernise while managing contractual risks, complying with evolving ESG and transparency regulations, and reconciling privacy laws across jurisdictions—all without derailing their digital ambitions.

In this practical session, Oliver Kidd (Penningtons Manches Cooper), Cornelia Mattig (Roesle Frick & Partners) and Janet Tho (Shearn Delamore & Co.) explore the intersection of innovation and regulation, with a keen eye on how technology-focused legal professionals – both in‑house and in private practice – can help organisations modernise securely, compliantly, and strategically.

Don’t want the party to stop? Local recommendations to continue the evening will be added shortly!

Please note, no reservations will be made at the suggested locations and associated costs are the responsibility of the individual attendees.

Stop by the Registration desk to receive your badge, agenda brochures, and goody bags. The agenda will also be accessible by mobile app through Aventri. Plan out your conference sessions. The registration desk is staffed throughout the conference, attendees are encouraged to stop by with questions or concerns throughout the conference.

Mobile app instruction – coming soon!

Details coming soon!

Details coming soon!

Join panel of experienced speakers, including from industry, to discuss AdTech applications, Privacy Enhancing Technologies, and associated legal compliance issues.

Panelists

• Julie Carel, Partner, Momentum Avocats
• Melissa Maalouf, Shareholder, ZwillGen PLLC

Moderator

Julie Carel, Momentum Avocats, Frace

Julie is a tech lawyer and founding partner at Momentum Avocats. She has significant experience advising clients regarding matters related to digital and innovative technologies, including regarding intellectual property, personal data, and cybersecurity aspects. Julie’s practice covers both counseling and litigation, ensuring that case strategy matches clients’ business goals. She has acquired particular skills in the understanding of complex technical matters, enabling her to provide efficient advice regarding new or upcoming digital regulatory frameworks.

Melissa Maalouf, ZwillGen PLLC, USA
Melissa advises clients on a variety of privacy, security, advertising, and e-commerce matters, including in the context of regulatory investigations, compliance strategies, and corporate transactions. She counsels companies on online tracking, AI, sensitive data use, children’s privacy, and fintech. Melissa defends clients in federal and state enforcement actions under laws like the CCPA, COPPA, FERPA, BIPA, and GLBA. She also advises on AI governance, global data protection laws (including GDPR and LGPD), and international data transfers.

Innovative regulation for technology in space.

Details coming soon!

Interested in helping plan an upcoming ITechLaw conference? Join us for an hour long lunch session to discuss ideas for conferences in 2026 and beyond. The Planning lunch will wrap up with about 30 minutes to rejoin the Networking Lunch for those interested in participating in both. For additional information on joining a Planning Committee, please reach out to conferences@itechlaw.org at any time!

2026 Conferences: 

January 2026 – India

May 2026 – Chicago, IL

October 2026 – Copenhagen, Denmark

Join your colleagues for networking opportunities, designed to foster connections and collaboration! Attendees are encouraged to take this opportunity to engage with fellow participants, share ideas, and build valuable relationships in a relaxed atmosphere. Luncha & refreshments will be provided to keep you energized as you network. Make the most of these moments and expand your professional network!

Details coming soon!

Understand what’s actually going on with the paranormal activity behind the untapped potential of Generative AI that could be revolutionising your disputes and investigations work.

This Halloween, we’re lifting the veil on AI mysteries through hands-on demonstrations of real applications you can implement immediately.

Whether you’re a skeptical traditionalist or curious early adopter, leave with a comprehensive toolkit of AI applications and best practices that will transform your most challenging cases—no prior experience required, just bring your curiosity and willingness to see legal technology in a new light. 🎃

Details coming soon!

Details coming soon!

Details coming soon!

Join your colleagues for networking opportunities, designed to foster connections and collaboration! Attendees are encouraged to take this opportunity to engage with fellow participants, share ideas, and build valuable relationships in a relaxed atmosphere. Refreshments will be provided to keep you energized as you network. Make the most of these moments and expand your professional network!

A closing keynote presentation on how AI is reshaping the future of storytelling, and in particular how Hollywood based creatives are beginning to use AI in their film work. As lawyers we tend to dismiss the output of AI as derivative (from the perspective of IP) and this session will give us the opportunity to view the output of AI from a different perspective.