Series of coordinated events across the globe highlights critical role IP plays in improving lives and building economic growth

WASHINGTON, April 16, 2013 –The Licensing Executives Society will expand its 'Around the World with LES' (ATW) celebration to encompass not only the World Intellectual Property Organization's (WIPO) annual World IP Day on April 26th, but also a month of events aimed at celebrating IP, raising awareness and uniting IP-interested business professionals worldwide.

"WIPO's theme for 2013 World IP Day is 'Creativity: The Next Generation.' With this in mind, we are encouraging our local chapters to plan events to celebrate the creative process, innovation and the profound impact IP has had on people's lives globally throughout the ages, as well as the promise it offers for the future," said Tatiana Moore, President of the Licensing Executives Society (U.S.A. and Canada) and Microsoft General Manager, Outbound Licensing, Corporate IP&L.

LES's vast network of chapters throughout North America and national societies in cities around the world will join the United States Patent and Trademark Office and other national and regional organizations in hosting World IP Day celebrations. The LES events will be open to both members and non members and will range from networking receptions, educational programs and speaker/panel events to essay contests, business plan presentations and games. These events typically attract thought leaders, government officials, policy makers, as well as a wide spectrum of business development, IP and licensing professionals, IP lawyers and graduate students. 

"World IP Day is important for increasing awareness of intellectual property and for educating the public about the very real benefits that IP brings to economic development throughout the globe," said LES International President Kevin Nachtrab. "LES is proud to observe World IP Day through its annual 'Around the World with LES' celebrations and fully supports its goals of raising the profile of intellectual property worldwide."

For more information and/or to register for an Around the World with LES event, visit http://www.lesusacanada.org/atw.

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About the Licensing Executives Society (U.S.A. and Canada), Inc. and LES International (LESI)
Established in 1965, the Licensing Executives Society (U.S.A. and Canada), Inc. (LES) is a professional society comprised of over 4,500 members engaged in the transfer, use, development and marketing of intellectual property. The LES membership includes a wide range of professionals, including business executives, lawyers, licensing consultants, engineers, academicians, scientists and government officials. 

Licensing Executives Society (U.S.A. and Canada), Inc. is a member society of the Licensing Executives Society International, Inc. (LESI), with a worldwide membership of over 10,000 members in 32 national and regional societies, representing over 90 countries. For more information, visit www.lesusacanada.org or www.lesi.org.