Patent Law Conference 2019

The 14th Annual Advanced Patent Law Institute, held on March 21-22, 2019, at the United States Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria, VA, was organized by The University of Texas School of Law and the George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School. This event brought together USPTO senior staff, leading practitioners, academics, and members of the federal judiciary to discuss the latest developments in patent law.

Key topics covered included an update from the USPTO by Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director Andrei Iancu, an in-depth discussion of the global patent landscape with a focus on the influence of countries like China on the U.S. patent system, and recent decisions impacting the drafting of patents in the life sciences and software/technology sectors. The conference also featured a review of key patent decisions in the Federal Circuit and Supreme Court, recent developments in PTAB practices, and discussions on SEP/FRAND issues in the context of the internet of things.

The event provided practical guidance on topics ranging from patent insurance to practicing in the cloud. Attendees had the opportunity to gain insights from members of the federal judiciary during the popular Judicial Panel session. The conference also included multiple networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect with program faculty and fellow practitioners.

This conference was ideal for patent attorneys, in-house counsel, and professionals involved in patent law who sought to stay updated on the latest developments and best practices in the field.