An Inside Look at Expanding to the U.S. - With Irish & U.S. Experts and Entrepreneurs

This practical, action-oriented session will provide a guide for Irish businesses ready to enter or expand in the US market. Thomas Byrne TD, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence will open proceedings whereby attendees will be introduced to a proven three-phase roadmap: Launch, Land, Expand. Further details can be found below.

Guided by Irish and US subject matter experts, the panels will cover critical topics designed to help businesses successfully establish and grow their US operations, including supports available, acquisition strategies, navigating the current trade uncertainty, regulatory and legal compliance and key tips for success. In addition, Irish entrepreneurs who have already scaled in the US will share first hand their lessons learned.

. You can find below our panel agenda and speaker line up.

Participants will also receive an invite to a tour of the Guinness Enterprise Centre on the afternoon of Friday 26 September and a visit to the Guinness Storehouse with networking opportunities. Either event, or both, are available options, further details will be released in due course.

 - Planning, strategy, legal/regulatory foundation

Defining the parameters of launching in the US

Budgeting, business planning, and assessing market fit

Legal and regulatory requirements and concerns

Navigating both Irish and US Employment laws

- Physically and legally establishing a presence in the US

Planning for scalability in the US market

Accessing customers, markets, and strategic partners

 - Scaling operations, building teams, accessing markets

Thomas Byrne TD, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence

Neil Keenan, Partner, Pinsent Masons Ireland LLP

Gerry Beausang, Partner, Pinsent Masons Ireland LLP

Michael Gattoni, Partner, McHattie Law Firm

Lucinda Creighton, CEO of Vulcan Consulting, former Irish Minister for European Affairs

Bill Kenney founder of MEET (My Expo and Event Team)

Eoin Goulding, Entrepreneur, founder of Integrity 360

Deirdre Lynch, Head of Employment Law, Pinsent Masons Ireland LLP

Marisa Mannion, Senior Vice President, Enterprise Ireland

Michael McDonald, former Vice President and General Counsel, Bayer's U.S. pharmaceuticals division

Christopher McHattie, Managing Partner, McHattie Law Firm and Cove

James Tedd, Head of Market Strategy and Risk, GridBeyond

Post

Since 1941, the Fourth of July has been recognized as a federal holiday in the United States—but the celebration of American independence dates back much further. On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of breaking ties with Great Britain. Just two days later, the newly drafted Declaration of Independence—penned by Thomas Jefferson—was adopted, giving birth to the nation we know today.

From 1776 to today, Americans have marked the Fourth with fireworks, parades, patriotic music, and backyard barbecues. But beyond the festivities lies a fascinating layer of legal protection—through trademarks, copyrights, and patents—that supports many of our favorite July 4th traditions. Here are six iconic must-haves that combine celebration with creativity and legal ingenuity.

1. The American Flag: A Symbol of Freedom

The U.S. flag is the most recognizable symbol of American patriotism. While an authentic version of the flag cannot be trademarked or patented, stylized or modified designs 

 be protected under intellectual property law. For example, if a flag is heavily integrated into a logo or altered from the traditional form, it may qualify for trademark registration.

Even the display of the flag has inspired innovation. One notable invention is a flagpole design by Robert Ellis, patented in 1945 (US Patent No. 

). This design helped raise those broad stripes and bright stars higher than ever before — perfect for backyard displays or civic events.

2. “The Star-Spangled Banner”: America’s Anthem in the Public Domain

One song you’re guaranteed to hear at a July 4th event is 

 Written by Francis Scott Key in 1814 during the War of 1812, the lyrics—combined with a British tune—eventually became the national anthem.

Because the anthem was published well before 1923, it resides in the public domain—free for all to sing, perform, and record without paying royalties. So, belt it out proudly during your celebration; it belongs to 

3. Fireworks: Lighting Up the Sky and the Patent Office

No Fourth of July is complete without fireworks lighting up the night sky. Behind the spectacle lies a long history of pyrotechnic innovation. Among the many patents filed over the years is one for a Launcher for Launching Multiple Fireworks Projectiles (US Patent No. 

This clever invention allows for multiple fireworks to be launched in succession, creating the dazzling, layered displays we associate with major Independence Day celebrations. Without inventions like these, we’d be stuck watching one firework at a time—not quite the same grand finale.

4. Backyard Barbecues: The Grill Master’s Patent Playground

Grilling is practically a national sport on July 4th, and inventors have fueled this culinary tradition with creativity. A prime example is the Barbecue Grill and Smoker (US Patent No. 

), which combines features of gas grills and wood smokers.

Designed to be user-friendly for the home cook, this hybrid invention delivers mouth-watering flavors while minimizing the need for culinary skill. Whether you prefer ribs, hot dogs, or veggie skewers, this innovation keeps the party sizzling.

5. Popsicles: A Patent Born from a Happy Accident

Looking to cool off on a hot July afternoon? Thanks to 11-year-old Frank Epperson, who accidentally invented the popsicle in 1905 after leaving a sugary drink with a stirring stick outside on a freezing night. His discovery eventually led to US Patent No. 

Today, the term “Popsicle” is a registered trademark owned by Unilever (which also owns Creamsicle, Fudgsicle, and Yosicle). In fact, the company even protects the suffix “-sicle” as part of its “SICLE™ Trademark Family.” That means only they can sell flavored frozen treats on a stick using that name, though many others make similar icy delights.

6. Beer: Raise a Glass to America’s Oldest Brewery

Whether you’re at a barbecue, beach, or rooftop celebration, chances are someone’s reaching for a cold beer. And what better brew to toast the USA than one with nearly two centuries of American heritage?

Yuengling, founded in 1829, holds the distinction of being America’s oldest operating brewery. Its registered trademark—YUENGLING TRADITIONAL LAGER SINCE 1829 BY AMERICA'S OLDEST BREWERY—pays homage to both its history and national pride. Cheers to that.

From inventions and anthems to tasty treats and timeless symbols, the Fourth of July is a celebration of both America’s past and its creative spirit. Patents, trademarks, and copyrights may seem far removed from summer fun, but they play a vital role in shaping the experiences we cherish.

So, this year, while you're enjoying grilled favorites, waving flags, watching fireworks, or cooling off with a popsicle, take a moment to appreciate not just our independence—but the ingenuity that helps bring it to life each summer.

6 Must-Haves for Every Fourth of July Celebration: Patents, Trademarks, and the Spirit of Independence

An Inside Look at Expanding to the US - With Italian & US Experts

Join us for an exclusive event where you'll get insider tips on expanding your business to the US. This in-person event is a unique opportunity to network with like-minded professionals and gain valuable insights to help your business succeed internationally. Don't miss out on this chance to take your business to the next level!

This practical, action-oriented session will provide a guide for Italian businesses ready to enter or expand in the U.S. market. Guided by Italian and U.S. subject matter experts, attendees will be introduced to a proven three-phase roadmap:

The panels will cover critical topics designed to help companies successfully establish and grow their U.S. operations, including supports available, acquisition strategies, navigating the current trade uncertainty, regulatory and legal compliance and key tips for success.

Navigating both Italian and US Employment laws

 - Physically and legally establishing a presence in the US

Chris McHattie - Managing Partner of the McHattie Law Firm and Founder of Cove, LLC

Mike Gattoni – Partner of the McHattie Law Firm

Bill Kenney - founder of MEET (My Expo and Event Team)

Antongiulio Lombardi - Director of Regulatory Affairs at WIND TRE

Riccardo Di Veroli - Lawyer at Di Veroli Law Firm

An Inside Look at Expanding to the U.S. - With Italian & U.S. Experts