Catherine Lacavera is globally recognized as a leader in the field of intellectual property law. As Director of the IP and litigation for Google Inc., she has led a team of lawyers in successfully defending more than 1,000 patents and other intellectual property claims, globally. She has contributed to shaping and advancing intellectual property law around the world to keep pace with the ever-evolving world of technology. Ms. Lacavera's work has affirmed the legality, and ensured the continued availability, of a free and open Internet, user-generated content platforms, content streaming, and many other innovative technologies developed by Google and its partners.