November 6, 2019 DTLA hACCess: Freedom to Operate in a Changing World

Freedom to Operate in a Changing World

This presentation will explore freedom to operate issues in light of both the changing technological landscape and recent Supreme Court decisions. We will explore both intellectual property and contractual issues raised when an invention is developed by multiple companies or uses technology from another industry. We will also discuss best practices for conducting freedom to operate searches, obtaining freedom to operate opinions, and avoiding willful patent infringement.

The New Frontier: Design Patent Protection in the United States

Viewed by some as a way to mark a product as “patented” or “patent pending,” proper obtained properly can be extremely valuable. Design patents can protect unique artistic designs, industrial design efforts, brand identifiers, and even color. 

Join us for a discussion on trends and practical tips related to acquiring and enforcing design patents as part of an overall IP protection strategy. Topics will include: 

• Drafting design patents with scope and international considerations
• Evaluating the scope provided for pioneering designs
• Addressing judicially-created functionality doctrine 
• Protecting for use of colors in designs
• Using design patents and its relation to trademark rights
• Employing effective design patent enforcement strategies