Head of patents and trade secrets strategy | Meta Platforms
Michael Binns
Head of patents and trade secrets strategy | Meta Platforms
Legal team size: 18
During the past year, what are your teams’ proudest accomplishments?
Over the past year, our team’s proudest accomplishments revolve around our collaborative spirit and technological advancements. We successfully launched major products such as the Threads Platform, Quest 3, and the innovative Ray-Ban | Meta Smart Glasses. These achievements not only underscore our commitment to cutting-edge technology but also reflect our team’s cohesion and dedication. Additionally, we have made significant strides in integrating AI across our operations, enhancing our capabilities and setting new industry standards. This integration represents our ongoing effort to remain at the forefront of technological innovation.
Equally important is our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). We proudly supported events like the Day of Diversity in May 2023, which underscored our dedication to creating an inclusive workplace. Our involvement in programs like ADAPT.legal and the Patent and Trademark Pipeline Programs further demonstrates our commitment to nurturing the next generation of IP practitioners.
What strategic priorities are guiding you and your team in 2024?
In 2024, our team is guided by strategic priorities that emphasize a closer alignment with the companies’ business, advancement in AI, AR/VR technologies, and enhancing connectivity through our social platforms. This approach ensures that we not only stay abreast of the latest technological trends but also actively contribute to shaping them.
Our commitment to being more proximate to the business involves deepening our understanding of various business units, enabling us to provide more tailored and effective support. This proximity allows for a more synchronized effort in driving the company’s objectives forward.
Simultaneously, we are focusing on the future of AI and AR/VR. This involves not just leveraging these technologies but also innovating and leading in these spaces. By doing so, we aim to deliver groundbreaking products and services that redefine user experience and set new industry benchmarks.
Lastly, we continue to prioritize our diversity efforts, particularly in broadening intellectual property (IP) practice. This involves nurturing a diverse pool of talent and ideas, ensuring that inclusivity is at the heart of our innovation and business strategies. Our aim is to create an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and contribute to the richness of our IP portfolio and overall business success.
Do you have a cause, business-related or otherwise, you are passionate about?
I take great pride in co-founding Adapt.legal, a DEI collective aimed at revolutionizing the intellectual property profession. We focus on bridging the knowledge gap for the next generation, enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the industry. Our programs, powered by technology, facilitate widespread DEI efforts, improve access to information, and create meaningful connections. This initiative is a pivotal step towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable professional landscape, ensuring underrepresented voices find their place in the intellectual property field.
Associate general counsel | Meta