Time for US companies to get to know the UPC

November 24 2014

Managing IP is holding events in San Jose and New York in December to bring US companies up to date with everything they need to know about the Unified Patent Court and how it will affect them, with in-house counsel being offered complementary attendance

With the UPC completely reshaping the litigation landscape in Europe, now is the time for strategies to be put into place to prepare for this change. This is something that is uppermost in European companies’ priorities at the moment.

But are US companies falling behind in this regard?

They already have enough on their plates, with the fallout from recent Supreme Court decisions working their way through the courts and the USPTO, debates on patent trolls, and potential new legislation in Congress. As a result, US companies may not be focusing enough attention on the reform in Europe, giving away a strong competitive advantage to its European competitors.

A good place to start is with our handy overview of the biggest questions around the UPC and the Unitary Patent here and our guide to UPC resources here.

However, to really bring US corporations up to speed, Managing IP is holding the European Patent Reform Forum USA in San Jose on December 10 and New York on December 12. Registration is still open at www.managingip.com/eupatentusa

Join us to learn all you need to know about the UPC, get direct insights from the preparatory committee, hear from the EPO and listen to expert advice for US corporations to prepare for the reform.

As usual, attendance is free for in-house counsel, IP managers and R&D professionals. You can register at www.managingip.com/eupatentusa or simply email your details to register@managingip.com

The expert panels include leading European IP experts, a member of the drafting committee as well as well renowned US in-house counsel:

• Stefan Luninbuehl, international legal affairs, European Patent Office

• Pierre Véron, partner, Véron & Associés and member of the drafting committee

• Michael Schneider, partner, Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co

• Larry Horn, CEO, MPEG LA

• Catherine Lacavera, director of litigation, Google

• Pamela Simonton, executive vice president and general counsel, Exelixis Pharmaceuticals

• Sherry Knowles, principal, Knowles Intellectual Property Strategies

• Katy Motiey, Chief Legal Officer, Spansion

• Nicola Dagg, partner, Allen & Overy

• Michael Moore, deputy general counsel, Rambus

• Kim Jessum, associate general counsel, Heraeus Incorporated