OCIPLA February 2026 Luncheon

TOPIC:  Navigating Ethical Minefields in IP Practice: Conflicts, Candor, and Compliance for Patent and Trademark Attorneys

Date:  Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Time:  11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: registration, lunch, networking
12:00 – 1:00 PM: program

Location: Aptus Court Reporting
2040 Main St, Irvine, CA 92614

This ethics CLE, delivered by Emil J. Ali of McCabe & Ali LLP, provides a comprehensive overview of key ethical issues facing intellectual property lawyers, both in private practice and in-house. Attendees will explore the regulatory authority of the USPTO, dissect the complexities of IP conflicts—including subject-matter conflicts and in-house ethical dilemmas—and examine candor obligations in patent and trademark prosecution and litigation.

The session also addresses the USPTO’s continued focus on candor and signature requirements, as well as tips for California practitioners dealing with CTAPP.  Join Emil as he takes you through practical examples, and best practices to uphold ethical standards, avoid malpractice, and navigate the evolving ethics landscape of IP law with confidence.

Registration:
Member: $15.00
Non-Member: $30.00
Student Non-Member: $20.00
In-House Counsel:  Register for a free membership and enjoy member pricing!

Registration fee includes parking validation.

SPEAKER

Emil J. Ali, Partner, McCabe Ali LLP

Emil J. Ali is a partner at McCabe & Ali, LLP where he focuses his practice on helping lawyers
understand their obligations under state and federal law. As a registered patent attorney, a
significant focus of his practice involves advising lawyers and law firms on all aspects of the
intersection of IP and ethics matters. Emil’s work includes counseling clients on lateral
transitions, malpractice avoidance, expert opinion and testimony, and respondent’s defense
work before various bars and courts. You can view his musings on IP ethics issues at
www.ipethicslaw.com.