Building Connections and Expertise: How LESI Helps IP Professionals Succeed Globally

In today’s fast-changing global economy, the effective management and commercialization of intellectual property (IP) is more important than ever. The Licensing Executives Society International (LESI) plays a leading role in this space, providing valuable resources and opportunities for its members. LESI’s mission is clear: “to enable a global, collaborative, and generous community, advancing the commercialization of intellectual assets to bring creativity and innovation to the market, improving lives everywhere.”

Professional Development and Learning

LESI is deeply committed to supporting the professional growth of its members. Through various educational programs, workshops, and conferences, members gain access to the latest knowledge and best practices in IP management and licensing. One of its standout offerings is les Nouvelles, a quarterly journal filled with detailed articles, analysis, and expert commentary on topics ranging from licensing to technology and IP. Many members value this publication as one of the greatest benefits of their membership.

LESI also organizes a range of events, including its Annual Conference and regional meetings like the Pan-European and Pan-Asian Pacific conferences. These events help members stay informed about key trends and developments in the world of IP.

Sharing Knowledge and Volunteering

At its core, LESI fosters an environment where members collaborate, share knowledge, and give back to the professional community. The society operates through various committees, including Industry committees (e.g. Patent and Technology Licensing), Professional committees (e.g. Education), and Regional Committees (e.g. Asia Pacific and European), as well as initiatives like the Young Members Congress (YMC) and the Women in Licensing Alliance (WILA).

These committees handle a wide range of activities: creating and curating content for LES events worldwide, collaborating with public bodies and other organizations, researching important licensing topics, developing educational materials and providing training, and even providing input to legislative and regulatory bodies.

LESI encourages its members to volunteer in these initiatives, which allows them to grow their leadership skills, broaden their knowledge, make meaningful contributions to the global IP field and be recognized as thought leaders.

Building Meaningful Professional Networks

One of the greatest benefits of LESI membership is the opportunity to build a strong professional network. With 33 national and regional societies and over 6,500 members across more than 90 countries, LESI provides unique access to a worldwide community of IP professionals across industries.

Members can connect with peers, mentors, and industry leaders using LESI’s international directory. Whether through in-person conferences, online forums, or virtual events, LESI provides plenty of opportunities to establish valuable professional relationships that often last a lifetime. In the era of social media these trusted professional connections really make a difference.

On the LESI website, many members have shared how LESI has helped them connect with leading professionals and stay updated on cutting-edge issues in licensing and IP. Speaking from personal experience, I have found that building an international professional network has been one of the most valuable outcomes of being part of LESI. When working in an international setting, it is incredibly useful to know expert people around the world. If I need advice or help in any region, I can simply make a call and immediately connect with the best professionals in the field.

A Window to the World for National Societies

LESI not only supports individual professionals but also serves as a bridge between national societies and the global IP landscape. Acting as a window to the world, LESI connects local societies to international activities, helping them develop from local to global influence and expanding their members’ network of opportunities. LESI provides a platform for cooperation, enabling national societies to participate in international initiatives while supporting their outreach efforts at home. By fostering collaboration and offering resources, LESI helps national societies strengthen their impact and better serve their members.

Global Membership Program

LESI also offers tailored programs to meet the specific needs of multinational organizations. The Global Membership Program, for example, allows companies to provide LES membership benefits to their employees globally under a single annual fee.

This initiative connects teams to LES’s expansive network and ensures they have access to the latest resources, educational events, and networking opportunities. It also removes the hassle of managing separate memberships in different regions, making it a practical choice for large organizations.

A Global Community for IP Professionals

In a world where intellectual property drives innovation and economic success, LESI offers an unparalleled platform for IP professionals to thrive. Whether through its focus on professional development, knowledge-sharing opportunities, volunteer activities, or global networking, LESI provides members with the tools they need to succeed in their field.

Joining LESI means becoming part of a global community that is dedicated to advancing the business of intellectual property, promoting innovation, and ultimately making a positive impact worldwide.

Visit lesi.org to learn more about how LESI can help you grow professionally and connect with like-minded experts.