In light of the recent economic downturn, investing in our nation’s innovation infrastructure is a top concern for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and will be key to rebuilding the economy and remaining competitive as a country. David Kappos, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, will highlight the importance of the patent and trademark system to protecting intellectual property and building a path for the next generation of jobs, tools and innovation. Mr. Kappos will address the Obama administration’s focus on building a more robust patent office, and how conquering barriers to growth will ensure that American businesses are able to thrive.
Following Mr. Kappos’ speech, a panel of esteemed general counsels will discuss IP enforcement and brand protection. While most people use the Internet to shop, communicate with friends, and search for ideas, others take advantage of it to copy intellectual property and then target innocent consumers. Internet counterfeiters create and sell counterfeit and knock off versions of products, such as software and designer accessories; these counterfeit goods can harm the consumer and the intellectual property rights owner in many ways. The panel will discuss methods to combat online counterfeiting and how to protect intellectual property rights.
Featured Speaker:
- David Kappos
Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director United States Patent and Trademark Office
Moderator:
- Alexander Hadjis
Partner and Co-Chair Intellectual Property Practice Morrison & Foerster LLP
Panelists include:
- Todd Kahn
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary Coach, Inc.
- Seth Krauss
Executive Vice President and General Counsel Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
- Dave Tognotti
General Manager, Vice President of Operations, and General Counsel Monster Cable Products, Inc.
- Michael Wu
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary Rosetta Stone Inc.
MCLE Credit:
WMACCA will apply for 1.5 hours of general Virginia MCLE credit after the program.