On May 27, 2025, Azami Global hosted a roundtable exploring one of today’s most pressing topics at the intersection of policy and innovation: the impact of tariffs and global trade tensions on intellectual property strategies.
Our expert panel featured:
- David R. Stevens, Founder of Stevens Law Group
- Eugene Derenyi, Partner at Fogler, Rubinoff LLP
- Cary Levitt, Managing Director at Azami Global
Together, they unpacked how shifting economic landscapes and geopolitical policies are reshaping the way companies protect and manage their IP portfolios.
Key Takeaways
Tariffs aren’t the biggest concern — structural change is
While tariffs dominate headlines, the panelists agreed the real disruptor lies in how global supply chains are being realigned. This restructuring is directly influencing where companies innovate, manufacture, and seek IP protection.
Canada–U.S. dynamics could be strained
The U.S.’s evolving trade policies could place pressure on its closest partners, especially Canada. Firms may need to rethink their cross-border IP and R&D strategies in response.
IP filings are becoming more tactical
Companies are shifting from broad international filings to more selective, business-aligned protection. Enforcement value and strategic alignment now drive filing decisions more than sheer coverage. We’ve seen many of our customers take this approach, focusing their foreign patent filings on jurisdictions that truly matter to their business.
Manufacturing shifts drive IP relocation
As production moves closer to home or expands into new regions, IP portfolios are being restructured to follow—particularly in high-tech and regulated industries.
Legal teams must guide, not just execute
Clients increasingly expect IP counsel to provide strategic insights into trade-linked risks. Lawyers must combine legal expertise with a broader understanding of policy and economic shifts.
Why It Matters
This discussion underscored that the future of IP strategy isn’t just about legal frameworks—it’s about navigating the broader forces of economics and geopolitics. As companies adapt to a world of shifting supply chains and trade barriers, their IP decisions must become more agile and strategically aligned.
Watch What’s Next
Want to continue exploring the future of IP strategy? Join us for our upcoming webinar:
We’ll dive into the data-driven side of IP management and explore how firms can measure what truly matters in today’s evolving landscape.
