CHAIRMAN

CHAIRMAN

KHACHATUR PAPANYAN

Chairman of the Board of Trustees    I    2020-2023    I    LinkedIn

Mr. Papanyan is the Founder and President of Arluys IP, P.C. a US based IP Law Firm, where he brings his extensive expertise in US intellectual property matters, with a particular focus on patent prosecution. With a diverse background encompassing both legal and technological fields, Mr. Papanyan has made significant contributions throughout his career. Before founding Arluys IP, P.C. in the US, Mr. Papanyan served as an associate at a medium-sized law firm in Silicon Valley for many years. Prior to entering the legal practice, he spent over a decade working on cutting-edge technologies for servers at Dell Inc. As a member of Dell's advanced engineering team within the office of the CTO, Mr. Papanyan actively participated in the development of innovative solutions. He also served on the patent committee, specializing in the review of software applications. Notably, Mr. Papanyan is an accomplished inventor himself, having been granted numerous patents in various software technologies. Mr. Papanyan's contributions extended beyond individual inventions as he played a leading role in standards related to systems management software. He represented Dell as the primary representative on the Technical Committee of the Distributed Management Task Force (DMTF) standards body. Mr. Papanyan chaired the security-related working group within DMTF for many years and authored and contributed to numerous standard specifications widely used in the industry. In terms of his education, Mr. Papanyan holds a J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center, where he further honed his legal knowledge. He also earned a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering and Circuit Design, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, both from the University of Texas at Austin. Mr. Papanyan is admitted to practice law in California and is also registered with the United States Patent & Trademark Office. With a strong passion for knowledge sharing, Mr. Papanyan has made notable contributions through publications and lectures. His publications include various profile specifications within the DMTF standards, covering topics such as sensors, certificate management, credential management, CPU profiling, and more. Additionally, Mr. Papanyan has been named as an inventor on several granted patents, demonstrating his innovative mindset and technical expertise. Throughout his career, Mr. Papanyan has been recognized for his achievements and contributions. He received the DMTF Star Award for his significant contributions to the success of DMTF. Furthermore, he received the Houston Texas Exes Chapter Scholarship for his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin. Mr. Papanyan's remarkable career journey, encompassing both legal and technological domains, positions him as a highly accomplished professional in the field of intellectual property. His extensive experience, technical prowess, and dedication to advancing standards have made a significant impact on the industry. As the President of Arluys IP, P.C., Mr. Papanyan continues to provide exceptional legal guidance and patent prosecution services, helping clients protect and maximize the value of their intellectual property assets.

BOARD MEMBER

BOARD MEMBER

ANITA MELIKIAN

Member of the Board of Trustees    I    2015-2023    I    LinkedIn

Mrs. Melikian is a highly accomplished professional with a wealth of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Her career spans both large pharmaceutical companies, such as Sanofi in France and Eli-Lilly in the US, as well as smaller companies and start-ups. Her diverse background has provided her with a deep understanding of the intricacies of the life sciences sector. One of notable achievements of Mrs. Melikian includes co-founding Squal Pharma in the US, where she played a pivotal role in leveraging scientific advancements developed in France to establish the company. Her expertise in scientific and intellectual property portfolio evaluation for Squalene-Drug Bioconjugate proved instrumental in the success of the venture. Additionally, Mrs. Melikian's exceptional negotiation skills facilitated a cross-border licensing agreement between Squal Pharma, University Paris-Saclay, and CNRS, further enhancing the company's growth and impact. Mrs. Melikian's specialties encompass a wide range of scientific disciplines, including life sciences, chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry, drug discovery, biology, pharmacology, nanotechnology, and intellectual property. As a registered US Patent Agent with a Ph.D., she has been providing clients with comprehensive patent preparation and prosecution services. Her expertise extends to strategic patent portfolio management, evaluating patent infringement and invalidity issues, conducting "Freedom-to-Operate" searches, and performing due diligence analyses. Throughout her career, Mrs. Melikian has demonstrated her versatility and adaptability by working with various companies, from large pharmaceutical corporations to innovative start-ups. She was actively involved in collaborative projects, such as the partnership between Eli-Lilly and Sphinx, which led to the successful development of a compound for diabetes type 2, known commercially as "RUBOXISTAURIN." At a start-up company in the Bay Area, Mrs. Melikian excelled in logistics and strategic planning, ensuring smooth operations as the department expanded. Mrs. Melikian's expertise extends beyond patent matters, as she has provided valuable insights in patentability searches, due diligence studies, and opinions relating to patents and joint development efforts. Her experience covers multiple therapeutic areas, including neuroscience, metabolic disease, anti-infectives, immunology, and oncology. Mrs. Melikian's impressive track record, extensive knowledge, and multidisciplinary expertise position her as a highly respected professional in the pharmaceutical and intellectual property domains. Her contributions have advanced scientific innovation, protected intellectual property rights, and driven meaningful progress within the life sciences industry.

BOARD MEMBER (FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD)

BOARD MEMBER (FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD)

SARKIS KNYAZYAN

Member of the Board of Trustees    I    2011-2023    I    LinkedIn

Mr. Sarkis Knyazyan is a highly accomplished IP practitioner and advocate who has made significant contributions in the field of intellectual property, both in Armenia and internationally. After obtaining his Master in Laws degree from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law in 2009, his career soared to new heights. Throughout his professional journey, Mr. Knyazyan has been recognized for his exceptional legal expertise. He received prestigious fellowships from the US Department of State, including the Edmund S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship in 2009, the Careers for Alumni in Public Service (CAPS) Fellowship in 2010, and the Public Service Fellowship in 2013. These awards acknowledged his excellence and dedication in the legal field. Mr. Knyazyan has served as a valued advisor to Armenia’s Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Justice. He played a crucial role in the development of national IP policies, which have been instrumental in strengthening IP rights and fostering the growth of the Armenian economy. His expertise in intellectual property law also led him to work as a legal expert on intellectual property law for the Council of Europe. In this capacity, Mr. Knyazyan contributed to enhancing the independence, professionalism, and accountability of the justice system in Armenia. As the Co-Founder of Arluys CJSC, a highly regarded Armenian IP Law Firm, Mr. Knyazyan has protected the intellectual property rights of global corporations and institutions. His expertise and contributions have been widely recognized. Mr. Knyazyan has a passion for sharing his knowledge and expertise. He is a highly regarded Lecturer of Intellectual Property in various local universities, such as the American University of Armenia, the French University to Armenia, as well as the School of Advocates (litigators) of the Armenian Chamber of Advocates (Armenian Bar Association). In addition, he frequently participates in public speaking engagements, lectures, and panels at renowned industry events worldwide, further contributing to the dissemination of IP knowledge. Furthermore, Mr. Knyazyan has served as a judge in law competitions and has been actively involved in shaping the next generation of IP specialists. His involvement in academia and his dedication to mentoring and supervising students demonstrate his commitment to the advancement of IP education and the development of future professionals. In addition to his legal and academic endeavors, Mr. Knyazyan served as the Chief Legal Counsel of the American University of Armenia. In this role, he provided legal services and advice to the university, represented it on all legal matters, and played a vital role in ensuring compliance and safeguarding the institution's interests. Recently, Mr. Knyazyan played a key role in the establishment of an intellectual property training institution (IPTI) in Armenia in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization and the Armenian Intellectual Property Office of the Armenia’s Ministry of Economy. IPTI aims to provide IP training courses to various audiences, including small and medium-sized enterprises and young entrepreneurs, thereby empowering them with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the creative and innovative sectors. Mr. Sarkis Knyazyan's expertise, dedication, and contributions in the field of intellectual property have had a profound impact on Armenia's national IP landscape and the country's economic development. His involvement in policy development, legal counsel, teaching, and mentoring has positioned him as a leading figure in IP in Armenia and beyond. 

BOARD MEMBER

BOARD MEMBER

SUSANNA NERSISYAN

Member of the Board of Trustees    I    2013-2023    I    LinkedIn

Ms. Nersisyan is a highly esteemed specialist in the field of copyright and related rights in Armenia, boasting an impressive career spanning over thirty years. With her extensive experience, she has provided invaluable legal consultation to numerous artists, writers, musicians, broadcasters, singers, performers, producers, librarians, composers, museums, and state authorities. Having served as the deputy director of the Armenian National Copyright Agency for eight years, Ms. Nersisyan played an active role in aligning Armenian copyright and related rights legislation with international best practices and the provisions of the Bern Convention. Her dedication to the subject is evident through her authorship of several articles and publications on copyright and related rights. Additionally, she deepened her knowledge through a research project in Intellectual Property law at the Max Planck Institute for Intellectual Property and Competition Law. Currently, Ms. Nersisyan holds the esteemed position of Director at Amauthor NGO, which serves as the Armenian author's collecting society. Her qualifications include a diploma in International Law from the Institute of Foreign Economic Relations and Management, and she pursued post-graduate studies and scientific research on Copyright and Related Rights at the Intellectual Property Institute after Max Planck in Munich, Germany. Ms. Nersisyan's contributions to the field of copyright are extensive and far-reaching. She played a pivotal role in amending and harmonizing the Law of the Republic of Armenia on Copyright and Related Rights with international standards, including the provisions of the Berne Convention. She was actively involved in the elaboration of government decrees pertaining to royalty rates and the accession of Armenia to the Berne Convention. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ms. Nersisyan actively engages in scientific work and publications, including contributions to renowned publications such as the "GRUR" Magazine in Germany. She has also co-authored a book on Intellectual Property. Furthermore, she has shared her expertise through delivering lectures in Armenian universities and making appearances on TV and radio programs, effectively raising awareness on copyright-related matters. Ms. Nersisyan's outstanding contributions have been recognized internationally. She has participated in various programs, including the TWINNING program funded by the European Union, as well as the US program "Copyright Management and Related Rights" organized by the Commercial Law Development Program of the US Department of Commerce. Her unwavering dedication, expertise, and influential role in the field of copyright and related rights position her as an invaluable figure in Armenia's copyright and related rights landscape.

BOARD MEMBER

BOARD MEMBER

NORIC DILANCHIAN

Member of the Board of Trustees    I    2016-2023    I    LinkedIn

Mr. Dilanchyan is a highly experienced legal professional with an impressive 39-year career spanning business and law in Australia. Throughout his professional journey, Mr. Dilanchian has undertaken various roles, including in-house counsel, solicitor in private practice across national, mid-tier, and small law firms, as well as a commercialization consultant. His expertise lies in leveraging the unique aspects of clients' ventures, particularly their intellectual property, and structuring contractual agreements to maximize business success. A trailblazer in the field of LegalTech, Mr. Dilanchyan has emerged as an innovator by developing and maintaining a comprehensive database of thousands of contracts and related templates. This strategic approach enables him to provide cost-effective advice to clients while emphasizing the importance of code standardization, re-use, and the application of multidisciplinary knowledge for optimizing business functions, processes, and workflows. As an Intellectual Property and IT lawyer, Mr. Dilanchyan specializes in advising clients on a wide range of areas, including trademarks, brands, copyrights, confidential information, pre-filing patent applications, patent licensing, information and entertainment content, computer programs, inventions, formulations, courseware, and business systems. With a deep understanding of the intricacies of intellectual property and IT law, Mr. Dilanchyan provides invaluable guidance to clients, ensuring the protection and effective management of their intellectual assets. In his capacity as a contracts lawyer, Mr. Dilanchyan has demonstrated his proficiency by reviewing, preparing, and advising on over 5,000 contracts throughout his career. His extensive experience covers a diverse range of contract types, including those related to internet ventures, software, content owners, food and beverage distribution, joint ventures, shareholders, employees, independent contractors, licensing, technology transfer, publishing, e-commerce, mobile apps, and commercialization. Noric's meticulous attention to detail, combined with his deep knowledge of contract law, allows him to navigate complex contractual arrangements, ensuring the best possible outcomes for his clients. Mr. Dilanchyan's distinguished career, wealth of experience, and comprehensive expertise make him a trusted advisor in the realms of intellectual property, IT law, and contract law. His dedication to code standardization, the utilization of technology, and his vast repository of legal resources positions him as a go-to professional for businesses seeking efficient and effective legal solutions. Mr. Dilanchyan's contributions to the field have not only transformed legal practices but have also provided businesses with the necessary tools and guidance to navigate the ever-evolving legal landscape successfully. 

BOARD MEMBER

BOARD MEMBER

GAREN MANUKYAN

Member of the Board of Trustees    I    2016-2023    I    LinkedIn

Mr. Manukyan is an accomplished professional with a diverse background spanning both academia and law practice. From 2011 to 2015, he served as the director of the IPRC, later transitioning to a board member role. His expertise lies in the field of intellectual property management and innovation policy, reflecting his enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research encompassing law, economics, and public policy.

Over the past decade, Mr. Manukyan has extensively studied the innovation systems of such countries as China, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. Throughout his career, he has worked on numerous research projects, including those in Asia and Europe. The projects have been supported by programs such as the EU Commission's Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and various other governmental and non-governmental grants. In addition, he actively participates in pro bono activities aimed at fostering innovation and creativity.

Mr. Manukyan has co-founded and managed various projects centered around intellectual property, demonstrating his ability to translate theoretical knowledge into practical applications. In recognition of his contributions to the field, he has served as a judge in IP moot court competitions, an IP ambassador, and a mentor to aspiring law students. Additionally, Mr. Manukyan has delivered lectures tailored to diverse audiences, ranging from inventors to businessmen and entrepreneurs.

Along with his involvement in various capacities in the field, Mr. Manukyan is also a lecturer of IP law in the LLM program at the University of Greenwich in Asia, imparting his wealth of knowledge to shape the minds of future legal professionals. His transition to academia followed a successful seven-year tenure in law practice, which adds valuable real-world experience to his academic endeavors. Mr. Manukyan's extensive background as a director, researcher, co-founder, and mentor in the field of intellectual property, coupled with his impactful contributions to various facets of the IP field, make him an esteemed authority in intellectual property management and innovation policy.

BOARD MEMBER

BOARD MEMBER

HRIPSIME PAPIKYAN

Member of the Board of Trustees    I    2019-2023    I    LinkedIn

To be updated.

FORMER BOARD MEMBER

FORMER BOARD MEMBER

GRIGOR BARSEGHYAN

Former Member of the Board of Trustees    I    2011-2019    I    LinkedIn

To be updated.

FORMER BOARD MEMBER

FORMER BOARD MEMBER

DR. HAGOP PANOSIAN

Former Member of the Board of Trustees    I    2011-2019    I    LinkedIn

Dr. Hagop Panossian is a highly accomplished engineer and the president of ARPA Institute. With a distinguished career, he served as a Technical Fellow at Boeing before retiring, and he was recognized as a fellow of the Advancement in Engineering and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). Throughout his career, Dr. Panossian has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the field. He was honored with the Engineer of the Year and President's Award from Rocketdyne, showcasing his exceptional expertise and dedication. The Armenian Engineers & Scientists of America (AESA), an organization he established in 1983, bestowed upon him the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards for his outstanding achievements. Dr. Panossian's expertise extends to the realm of patents, particularly in vibration control and hydraulic actuators. His innovative thinking and problem-solving skills have earned him multiple awards and recognition within the engineering community. Education has played a vital role in Dr. Panossian's career. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from the American University of Beirut, followed by a Master's degree from USC (University of Southern California) and a Ph.D. from UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles). As an esteemed author, Dr. Panossian has contributed to the field of engineering through his publications. He has authored over 80 technical articles and chapters in books, covering topics such as Control Systems, Failure Detection, and Vibration Control. In recognition of his contributions to academia and international collaboration, Dr. Panossian was elected as a Fulbright Exchange Scientist in 1987. Additionally, he was honored as a Diaspora Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, underscoring his deep ties and involvement with the Armenian scientific community. Dr. Panossian's significant impact extends beyond his professional achievements. He has been acknowledged by the LA City Council, the California Assembly, and the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church for his remarkable contributions to the community. With his extensive knowledge, technical expertise, and dedication to advancing engineering, Dr. Hagop Panossian continues to inspire and shape the field, leaving a lasting legacy in the aerospace industry and beyond.

FORMER BOARD MEMBER

FORMER BOARD MEMBER

DR. RHODA MANOOK

Former Member of the Board of Trustees    I    2011-2015    I    LinkedIn

To be updated.