History
ACPC was created in 1966 to provide a forum for Chief Intellectual Property Counsel to share best practices related to intellectual property management, operations, strategies, and the issues and challenges faced on the job.
At the time of its formation, ACPC held a single annual meeting. Over the years, ACPC evolved its schedule to include two national meetings per year which focus on networking with peers, presentations covering intellectual property topics, and sharing insights into best practices through benchmarking: a Summer Meeting in June and a Winter Meeting in January. ACPC also evolved its membership requirements to encourage more participation by members from a diverse range of smaller and mid-sized companies, and emerging industries.
In 2019, ACPC adopted its first-ever mission statement and strategic plan. Areas of focus included Meetings, Membership Engagement, and Developing the Next Generation of ACPC Leaders. ACPC’s focus on the future and evolving to meet future challenges and member needs proved to be prophetic, as 2020 was a year of great change for ACPC and other member-based organizations with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ability to pivot to meet our members where they are has proven to be critical to ACPC’s continuing success. As we approach our 60th anniversary, we are well-positioned to maintain our position as the premier membership association for Chief Patent and/or Intellectual Property Counsel of businesses operating in the United States.