2023 Tech Law Symposium

Join us for ACC Mountain West's annual Tech Law Symposium on April 14, 2023 at the Grand America in Salt Lake City.

This year our keynote speaker will be Heather Meeker, General Partner, OSSC; Technology Transactions Specialist at Tech Law Partners.

As an internationally-known expert in software licensing, for over 20 years Heather has been a thought leader and trusted advisor on the use of open source software in business, and has helped scores of emerging companies structure licensing and business models.

As a lawyer in private practice, Heather has been recognized with many awards for her work in law and technology, and advised clients from startups to global enterprises on software licenses and software copyright. She is a prolific writer and speaker on software licensing, and is the author of Open Source for Business, a go-to handbook for open source licensing in commerce.

This live event will be webcast for those outside of Utah. Virtual participants will be able to interact with presenters through a constantly monitored Chat session, and all questions will be addressed. We will apply for CLE in Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming.

We encourage companies to send their teams. If your group purchases 3-5 tickets together, you can save 10% off each ticket with the code GROUP3. If you purchase 6 or more tickets, you can save 15% on your tickets with the code GROUP6.

AGENDA:

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Registration/Breakfast

9:00 AM - 9:50 AM: Open Source: Key Essentials And Methods For Implementing Your Corporate Plan

Presented by: Aaron Smith; Heather Woodward, Director Patents & Open Source, eBay; Scott Karren, Partner, Holland & Hart

The panel will discuss various open-source related topics, including key essential topics along with more sophisticated considerations and techniques for practically implementing open source adjustments for organizations. These include: why open source is a legal topic in-house counsel and policy makers must be familiar with and is not limited to engineers; how to track open source use, development, and related company actions; how to create an internal open source plan and how to execute the plan; M&A issues that can arise based open source plans and activities; and how to avoid common pitfalls; and open source licensing shifting, among others.

9:55 AM - 10:55 AM: KEYNOTE: Open Source Licensing in 2023 with HEATHER MEEKER

This talk will include: Updates on the SFC v. Vizio case and the OpenAI Co-Pilot class action Hot topics in open source licensing

10:55 AM - 11:10 AM: Break

11:10 AM - 12:00 PM: How Today's General Counsel Can Become Key Members of the Executive Team

Presented by: R. Scott Wood, Curonix; Kerry Brown, former Associate GC and CPO, Sorenson Communications; Adam Smoot, Shareholder, Maschoff Brennan

General Counsel inside technology companies are more likely today than they were a decade ago to be viewed as key members of the executive team. As a result of these shifting dynamics, general counsel have the opportunity – and the challenge - to foster strong relationships with the CEO and their C-suite peers. An ACC Survey done in 2020 found that 93% of general counsel are now members of the executive management team and, now more than ever, need to be heavily involved in decisions and major issues impacting the company. It’s critical for GC’s to remain a steadfast voice of authority for both risk assessment and for a proactive strategy toward success in an organization. Join this lively pane discussion focused on: Privacy & data management in a post-pandemic workplace How to successfully communicate legal department value Navigating risk assessment and government regulation while keeping business goals in mind Intellectual property management & strategy as a revenue generator.

12:00 PM - 12:45 PM: Lunch

12:45 PM - 1:35 PM: Trade Secrets: Lessons Learned from the War Rooms

Presented by: Dawn David, Quinn Emanuel; Steve Wood, Quinn Emanuel; Brad Sanders, eBay

Come hear from trial lawyers about the basics of protecting trade secrets, the impact of remote working on trade secret protection, ways trade secrets are lost through misappropriation and by companies or their employees inadvertently, and lessons learned from trade secret trials. You will also gain an insight into practical tips and tricks from in-house counsel on being proactive in protecting some of companies’ most valuable assets, as well as ways to avoid being on the receiving end of a trade secret lawsuit.

1:40 PM - 2:30 PM: What if the Government Doesn't Save My Bank? Preparing for the Next Bank Crisis

Presented by: Andrew Olmen, Mayer Brown; Matt Bisanz, Mayer Brown; Sam Gardiner, Mayer Brown

Depositors of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank were made whole through emergency intervention by the federal government. Companies can’t count on that type of rescue in the future and need to prepare for the next banking crisis. Tune in to hear Mayer Brown public policy partner Andrew Olmem discuss legislative and regulatory development that may impact how companies borrow from banks and otherwise interact with the banking sector. Then Matt Bisanz, a bank regulatory partner with Mayer Brown, will provide practical steps that companies may consider to manage their exposure to banks, includes potential protections for cash deposits and investment accounts. The panel will conclude with expert commentary from their partner, Sam Gardiner, on the strategic considerations that boards and senior management should be exploring to prepare for future crises.

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM: Break

2:45 PM - 3:35 PM: Cross-Border Data Transfers

Presented by: Tomu Johnson, Founder, The Broad Axe

A discussion about Data Processing Agreements with companies in the EU, Transfer Impact Assessments, and Standard Contractual Clauses.

3:40 PM - 4:30 PM: Navigating the Legal (and Ethical) Landscape of AI (ETHICS CLE)

Presented by: Naziol Scott, General Counsel and SVP of Legal, Hirevue; Karen Silverman, CEO & Founder, The Cantellus Group

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming integrated into businesses in many ways, it is critical for in-house counsel to understand the legal implications and considerations of utilizing AI. Join us for an overview of the various categories of AI and AI systems, as well as the potential legal and ethical implications associated with each. Speakers will discuss key considerations in using AI, including data privacy, security, and intellectual property issues to gain practical insights and actionable steps. In-house counsel will leave better equipped to navigate the legal landscape of AI, and knowledgeable on how to protect their organizations from potential legal challenges.

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM: Happy Hour/Raffle Drawing