Policy Implications for Colleges at the Crossroads of AI and IP Law

By: Josh Sloat

Reimagining Learning and Work: The Transformative Impact of AI

Our very own Dr. Ashley Sloat will be teaming up with Mallory King of ​Breathe Brand Protection for a talk at Northwestern Michigan College's (NMC) upcoming 10th Annual Conference. The talk is titled "Policy Implications for Colleges at the Crossroads of Artificial Intelligence and IP Law" and examines the evolving landscape of intellectual property (IP) in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). It covers how AI impacts copyright and patent law, infringement risks, and AI's effects on IP across various educational disciplines. The presentation concludes with guidance for institutions on establishing AI policies and best practices for academic integrity and innovation.
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Date: October 14, 2025 from 1:20p to 2:15p ET.
Location: HS116 (Health Science building) on NMC’s main campus.

NMC’s 10th Annual October Conference

This year’s conference, Reimagining Learning and Work: The Transformative Impact of AI, promises to be extra special with more than a dozen community leaders joining to share their insights. Classes are cancelled and most offices are closed so faculty and staff can attend this day-long professional development event. You can view the entire conference schedule here and the session summary guide here.
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Speaker: Mallory King, J.D.

Mallory King is the owner of Breathe Brand Protection, PLLC, a boutique law firm specializing in brand protection legal services, including trademarks, copyrights, and contracts. Mallory is passionate about helping entrepreneurs and small business owners protect, defend, and navigate their intellectual property rights. Mallory grew up around the corner from NMC’s campus and is thrilled to be presenting at the conference this fall. 
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Speaker: Ashley Sloat, Ph.D

Ashley is a USPTO-registered patent practitioner with a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from the University of Michigan. She specializes in building and managing patent portfolios for startups and emerging growth companies across a wide range of technologies, including Artificial Intelligence. Ashley partners closely with engineering and executive teams to align IP strategy with business goals—maximizing portfolio value while minimizing legal costs. She is a frequent host of the Patently Strategic Podcast, serves on the Board of Directors for 20Fathoms, and was named to Traverse City Business News’ 2024 40 Under 40. Ashley leads Aurora Patents, serving clients nationwide and internationally.
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Brand Protection Podcast Collaboration

For more great education with Ashley and Mallory, also be sure to check out this pop culture-fueled Patently Strategic Podcast episode that breaks down high-profile Supreme Court cases as a vehicle to get a deeper understanding of copyrights and trademarks and some of the sharpest corners you should be aware of when managing your own brand protection.