David Howell

Howell & Associates (USA)

David Howell is the Founder and Managing Director of Howell & Associates, a U.S.-based brand protection and channel compliance consultancy. He leads global enforcement strategies for manufacturers and distributors across industries including consumer goods, pet products, automotive, electronics, and retail.

With more than two decades of experience in intellectual property enforcement and distribution management, David is recognized for his aggressive and results-driven approach to combating counterfeit products, unauthorized sellers, and MAP violations. His firm is known for its four-phase enforcement system—Policy, Monitoring, Investigation, and Enforcement—which blends legal strategy, investigative work, and marketplace action to deliver measurable outcomes for clients.

David is also a thought leader on the intersection of technology and IP enforcement. He frequently emphasizes that artificial intelligence is not a replacement for human judgment, but rather a powerful tool that, when paired with legal expertise and brand context, enables scalable and effective enforcement. This pragmatic perspective—leveraging AI as a force multiplier while ensuring human oversight—has positioned Howell & Associates as a trusted partner for brands navigating today’s rapidly evolving IP landscape.

At the World IP Forum in Bangkok, David will share practical insights from the front lines of enforcement: how AI is changing the fight against counterfeiters, why technology alone is not enough, and how brands can integrate monitoring tools with decisive human-led legal action to protect both revenue and reputation.