Welcome the Judges to Silicon Valley for Rock Music & IP Law Debate

IP Counsel Café welcomes Chief Judge Randall Rader (ret.), Judge James Robart, and PTAB Vice Chief Judge Scott Weidenfeller to Silicon Valley for its annual conference on April 25-27th. This year's conference, "A New Era for IP Owners: Confronting the Penalties of Globalization," provides an opportunity for Silicon Valley IP Counsel to hear from the Judges as well as IP Counsel at 50+ Companies in the semiconductor, computer, biotech, and pharmaceuticals industries. There will also be a rock concert.

Judge Rader speaks frequently about the importance of harmonizing the American patent system with those of other countries. As companies increasingly innovate, manufacture, and sell products abroad, foreign litigation has increased. George Simion, Associate General Counsel, IP at Palo Alto (News - Alert) Networks, said, "Patent trolls are increasingly initiating litigation outside the U.S. How does this affect business strategy?"

The status of American IP protection has undergone many changes since the America Invents Act was passed. Many stakeholders believe these changes have weakened patent protection in America. Judge Rader has notably referred to the Patet Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) as the patent "death squad."

However, many stakeholders in Silicon Valley believe the PTAB has improved patent quality. Phil McGarrigle, Senior IP Counsel at Jazz Pharmaceuticals, stated, "Having Judge Rader and PTAB Judge Scott Weidenfeller speak in Silicon Valley will be a great opportunity to hear how these IP issues arise in other industries, like biotech."

Judge Robart, renowned for his "reasonable and non-discriminatory" (RAND) licensing decision in Microsoft v. Motorola (News - Alert), will discuss the future of standard essential patents (SEPs). As companies grapple to implement new industry standards, the Judge's highly anticipated discussion will be invaluable.

Finally, this year's conference will include a rock concert with a surprise band. Judge Rader will perform select covers. Perhaps Judge Robart and Judge Weidenfeller will surprise us with a performance as well. The IP world is energetic indeed. Register at: https://www.ipcounselcafe.com.

About IP Counsel Café

IP Counsel Café is where the IP law leaders of today and tomorrow meet to advance discussion on all aspects of, and viewpoints on, IP law. The organization is comprised of lawyers who are committed to creating a dynamic forum for today's IP industry. IP Counsel Café partners only with companies, law firms, and organizations that contribute positively to the IP law ecosystem and society at large.

The Advisory Board includes: Brett Alten at HP Enterprise; William Becker; Archana Bhuta at SRI International; Jennifer Johnson at DowDuPont; Michael Lee at Google (News - Alert); Doug Luftman at Nomis Solutions; Phil McGarrigle at Jazz Pharmaceuticals; Lisa McFall at Workday; Joanne Suh at Intel (News - Alert); and George Simion at Palo Alto Networks.