Patent Reform: Motivations, Impact, and the Debate

On Monday, January 14, 2008, Foley’s Intellectual Property Department Chair and Partner Sharon Barner is participating in a panel discussion on “Patent Reform: Motivations, Impact, and the Debate” during Northwestern University School of Law’s Intellectual Property Law Society (IPLS) IP Week.

Ms. Barner will discuss the forces driving the Patent Reform Act of 2007 and how it might impact the IP field. The panel will be moderated by a member of IPLS and is scheduled to take place from 12:00 – 1:15 p.m. Other points being addressed include:

• What are some of the historical problems with the patent system that have led to the need for reform?
  
• What are the specific changes that this bill is proposing?
  
• What problems do you see persisting despite the changes? What new problems might be created with the passing of this bill?
  
• What are some specific private interests that have polarized the perception of this bill being favorable or unfavorable to the patent system?