Managing IP in the Reform Era — What it Takes to Build, Uphold, and Protect Your Core Assets in Uncertain Times

It’s a perfect storm now for corporate managers tasked with managing IP assets — your budget is cut; you cannot stop investing in IP, especially now, to undercut competition; the pending patent reform bills make it tricky for solidifying your long-term IP strategy; and, when least expected, litigation may land in your lap.

Guest Speaker:

• 
  
  Donald J. Rosenberg, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Qualcomm Incorporated  

This inaugural program of Foley’s San Diego Breakfast Briefing series included seasoned corporate managers and the former USPTO Director Jon Dudas providing their perspectives on practical steps for responsibly managing reduced IP budgets, maintaining an effective IP portfolio, and preparing to defend against an untimely lawsuit.

Topics included strategies for:

• Right-sizing the IP spend: Striking the right balance between reducing IP costs with building the company’s IP position and the technology’s value
  
• Monetizing existing IP when the company needs funding but investors are scarce
  
• Delaying litigation costs
  
• Preparing for the potential implementation of the patent reform bills

This discussion was led by:

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  Jon Dudas, Partner and member of Foley’s IP Litigation Practice, Washington DC, and former Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO
  
  
• 
  
  David Kleinfeld, Partner and member of Foley’s IP Practice, San Diego/Del Mar