An IPWatchdog Events Year in Review: Looking Back on Our Program Highlights from 2022

The year 2022 brought a lot for IPWatchdog to be grateful for. It was the first year that IPWatchdog held “LIVE” programs in its brand new headquarters office, which opened in October in Ashburn, Virginia! We also hosted numerous webinars to bring in top minds from around the world, who discussed the gamut of IP law and practice topics. However, after COVID shutdowns and restrictions, we were especially excited to be able to open our doors and welcome in person conversation and networking with top thought leaders in the industry. As we look forward to what 2023 brings, let’s reflect on some memories from our in-person programs in 2022.

We look forward to seeing you in 2023. Cheers to the New Year!

Patent Litigation – Hyatt Regency Dulles, Herndon, VA: May 2022

IPWatchdog Masters Patent Litigation 2022 explored litigation in the most active federal district courts in the country, at the International Trade Commission (ITC) and appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. It also took a look at special issues of importance, including damages, patent eligibility, Standard Essential Patents, and injunctions. If it happened as a part of litigating patents in the U.S., it was covered as a part of the program! Panelists including former U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director Andrei Iancu urged attendees to become ambassadors for the U.S. patent system again and shared tips on surviving the patent eligibility gauntlet.

IPWatchdog, Inc “LIVE”- Renaissance Dallas Richardson, Dallas, TX:  September 2022

IPWatchdog LIVE 2022 brought together the intellectual property community—from politicos to business executives to attorneys and inventors—with a focus on exceptional networking opportunities, and A+ content. Whether they agreed or disagreed, attendees participated in thought-provoking content from top leaders from across all sectors of our industry.  and shared tips and insider info on topics ranging from litigating patents in Texas to what Congress has in store for Section 101.

IPWatchdog Life Sciences Masters 2022- IPWatchdog, Inc. Headquarters, Ashburn, VA : October 2022

We are staring at a future where groundbreaking and breathtaking life science innovations cannot be predictably and reliably protected. Because decisions of both the Supreme Court and Federal Circuit have not kept up with technology, life sciences innovations have been under constant attack at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, in litigation, and in the court of popular opinion. Not surprisingly, this uncertainty leads to disincentives to pursue some research and technologies.

Life science innovators must adapt to an evolving legal landscape and explore creative approaches to protect their important inventions for a duration that justifies the often billions of dollars of investment required.

IPWatchdog Life Sciences Masters 2022 explored the law, politics, and business of life sciences. In this two-day program, we focused on the intersection of intellectual property law and the biopharmaceutical industry. It also marked the inaugural class of inductees to the IPWatchdog Masters Hall of Fame, which honored Judge Paul Michel, Sherry Knowles and Phil Johnson.

Quotes from attendees:

“The Life Sciences Masters Program was by far the best program for patent practitioners in the life sciences I have ever attended. The format was relaxed and conversational, yet extremely informative. The panelists were very knowledgeable, and frank. Audience participation was encouraged throughout the presentations, and not just reserved for the end. This approach led to many robust exchanges. I found myself actively engaged the entire program.” – Doreen Trujillo, Partner at Saul Ewing LLP

“It was a fabulous meeting for exchanging ideas and exploring life-science practices and policy topics with thought leaders from government and private practice.”- Eyal Barash; Life Sciences Patent Attorney, Barash Law LLC

“This was an excellent gathering of some top minds in the Life Sciences who were true advocates of science and innovation. I learned so much from their creative approaches to protecting biotechnology and the current climates at the USPTO and courts.”- Megan Lyman, Innovation Attorney & IP Strategist, Lyman Consulting

IPWatchdog Masters Standards, Patents, & Competition 2022- IPWatchdog, Inc. Headquarters, Ashburn, VA: November 2022

Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) represent pioneering innovation that entire industries will build upon. The ubiquity and importance of the innovations covered by SEPs creates many business and legal problems.

Those contributing patented technologies have agreed to provide fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) licenses to their SEPs. But what happens when implementing companies refuse to take licenses, or even refuse to negotiate in the first place? Should they still be entitled to FRAND? Are injunctions every appropriate in the case of SEPs?

It has always been difficult to determine what is a fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) licensing rate given confidential licenses and litigation settlements, but isn’t it fair to say that Standard Setting Organizations (SSOs) envision good faith attempts by both implementers and innovators to reach a FRAND license through arm’s length negotiation?

Quotes from attendees:

“IPWatchdog’s 2022 SEP conference panels had on-point experts that discussed current issues and addressed both legal and business considerations. I think everyone came away with some practical approaches to consider in their own practice.” – Paul Bawel, Senior VP Business Development, AccessAdvance

“IPWatchdog delivered once again for the Standards, Patents & Competition 2022 event with outstanding and informative panelists to excellent food and drink during breakout and networking. This was truly a high-quality event.” – Dawn Sanders, Solution Sales at IPyltics

“All of the IPWatchdog events I’ve attended have had great presenters who are thought leaders in their fields with special insight, and the SEP Masters program was no exception. I came away better informed and with fresh ideas for new approaches to some of the problems I encounter on a daily basis.” – John Kolakowski, Director, Licensing at Nokia