Intellectual Property Law
& Free Speech Keynote Speaker
Bring a little punk rock spirit to your event with Simon Tam
Simon Tam is an award-winning speaker, activist, and author who brings the complexities of intellectual property law, free expression, and diversity to life with powerful storytelling. Best known as the central figure in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Matal v. Tam, and founder of The Slants, Simon offers rare, first-hand insights into how trademark and trademark laws shape culture, creativity, and identity. His keynotes are designed for legal conferences, universities, and organizations seeking an engaging speaker who can translate complex legal issues into meaningful takeaways for both professionals and general audiences.
“Dance rock band front man Simon Tam sought to trademark The Slants. His aim was to reappropriate a term long used to disparage a minority group and to render the term a badge of pride. All of us agreed.”
— Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Why Choose Simon Tam as an Intellectual Property & Free Speech Keynote Speaker
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MAKING HISTORY AND CHANGING LAWS AT THE SUPREME COURT
Gripping, funny, enlightening, and ultimately uplifting, Simon proves that no obstacle is too difficult to conquer - as long as you have a little heart and a lot of rock n' roll. Audiences get an insight look at the landmark Supreme Court case that defined First Amendment and intellectual property law.
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A JOURNEY OF SONGS AND STORY
An electrifying and inspirational keynote incorporating music that will have audiences laughing, crying, and cheering as they learn about the power of persistence, empathy, and connection. It’s like Broadway theatre meets TED talk. Over 1,000 standing ovations across four continents.
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DIVERSITY & INCLUSION IN A WAY THAT WORKS
For the last decade, Simon Tam has provided a unique lens for issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in a way that is relevant, approachable, and actionable. He shows what is possible for systems transformation in communities and organizations around the world.
Watch a Video of Simon in Action
Simon Tam – Intellectual Property & Free Speech Keynote Speaker
“No constitution, no bill of rights alone can guarantee human freedom. People like Simon Tam…are willing to risk their security – and sometimes their lives – make the Bill of Rights not just empty promises on paper, but a living reality to expand freedom for the rest of the nation as well.”
— The Bill of Rights: A User’s Guide by Linda Monk
“Simon Tam has been an evangelist for free speech and equality as mutually reinforcing rights. He has given several terrific TED talks which I highly recommend”
— Nadine Strossen, law professor and former president of the ACLU
“Recently, we have been bombarded by images and stories of the disjuncture of race, power, fear and access in modern America; however, Simon's work is a jumping-off point for a new conversation to be had that addresses racism and its wide-ranging effects.”
— Justin Chin, Eastern Oregon University
Simon is available for:
KEYNOTE SPEAKING | CLE TRAINING | Q&A | VIRTUAL EVENTS
Simon Tam is one of the most in-demand speakers for events related to freedom of expression, intellectual property, and the creative arts today. His thought-provoking style is entertaining, inspirational, and unforgettable, landing him a spot on Forbe’s list of 8 “TEDx Talks Well Worth Watching.”
Simon has been a featured speaker hundreds of colleges/universities, and events like TEDx, INTA, the Department of Defense, SXSW, and many others across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Simon will leave your audience with fresh perspectives and stories that will drive conversations for years to come.
Simon’s story and work has been featured in 3,500 media outlets across 125+ countries, including:
Hire Simon to speak.
If you’re interested in having Simon Tam speak at your event, please complete the information here. All opportunities, including classroom visits, virtual events, and charity/cause-driven events will be considered.