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Examining AI's Impact on Standards Licensing at the 2026 ANSI Innovation Summit

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is preparing for a significant dialogue at the upcoming 2026 ANSI Innovation Summit, scheduled for July 30 in Denver, Colorado. This summit will focus on the evolving issues surrounding standards licensing and intellectual property as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape commercial realities for standards developers. Experts from various fields will come together for the ANSI Legal Issues Forum, entitled Standards at a Crossroads—AI Policy, Practice, and Protection.

Understanding the Shift

AI is making a considerable impact across numerous industries, ushering in new ways of developing, distributing, and using standards. ANSI President and CEO Laurie E. Locascio emphasizes the necessity of navigating these changes, stating, "Standards developers are facing critical decisions regarding how to digitize their content and protect their intellectual property in light of AI."

The forum aims to address these challenges by providing a platform for engaging discussions among legal, technical, and commercial experts. Participants will gain insights into the strategic considerations driving standards development organizations (SDOs) as they adapt to the rapid changes brought on by AI technologies.

Forum Agenda Overview

The forum features a diverse agenda to cover multiple perspectives:

1. Panel 1: What SDOs Are Doing
This panel will explore the varying approaches SDOs are taking regarding the digitization of their standards and the implications for AI usage. Moderated by Andrew Updegrove, the panel includes notable industry leaders from various organizations who will reveal their strategies on AI-related rights and permissions.

2. Panel 2: What Companies and Enterprises Are Building
This discussion will shift focus to market dynamics and how companies are integrating digitized standards with AI solutions. Participants will delve into the demands from end users and explore the new commercial opportunities arising from AI technology. Led by Daniel Vreeman, this session will showcase innovative practices from technology leaders in the industry.

3. Panel 3: How SDOs Can Protect Their IP
With the need for robust legal frameworks at an all-time high, this panel will discuss copyright protection strategies while allowing for commercial development. Attendees can expect to learn about practical tools and strategies that can mitigate risks while promoting responsible AI integration, moderated by Miranda Means.

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Credits

In addition to the informative discussions, ANSI has historically offered Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits for this program, providing attorneys the opportunity to further enhance their professional education. ANSI will announce the availability of CLE credits closer to the event date, ensuring that registered participants can benefit from this aspect.

About ANSI and the Innovation Summit

The 2026 ANSI Innovation Summit comprises multiple events aimed at fostering discussion and collaboration within the standards development community. Beyond this forum, the summit will also feature tech conferences, fireside chats, and awards ceremonies, solidifying ANSI's position as a fundamental player in promoting voluntary consensus standards and fostering innovation across various sectors in the U.S.

With participation from over 270,000 organizations, ANSI highlights its mission to enhance the competitiveness of U.S. businesses globally while safeguarding the integrity of standards. This summit will serve as a unique opportunity for leaders to come together, share insights, and tackle the pressing challenges presented by the intersection of AI and standards licensing.

For those interested in attending or seeking more information, detailed registration options and the full program can be found at www.ansi.org/summit.

Join us as we explore the future of standards in the age of AI. Together, we can forge a path that respects intellectual property while embracing technological advancement.