IP rights can be used for both good and evil. The spectrum of IP law encourages innovation, creativity, and brand promotion. However, some critics believe IP rights have gone too far and are being used by IP owners in manners that impinge other social interests, such as the freedom to create new IP, fair use, the right to share information, and the right to speak freely. During this interactive lunch session, thought leaders debated:
- Has the scope of patentable subject matter become too broad?
- Can IP rights be too easily used for anti-competitive purposes?
- Have IP rights been allowed to stifle innovation and creativity?
- Is the fair use doctrine in copyright and trademark law effective to protect free expression and socially-desirable uses of IP?
- Does the definition of trade secrets need to be curtailed to avoid abuse?
- What role should government agencies play in balancing the rights of IP owners, competitors and the public?
Panelists for this session include: Andrew Baum, Partner, Trademark, Copyright & Advertising Practice; Jeanne Gills, Vice Chair, IP Litigation; F. Kinsey Haffner, Vice President – Intellectual Property & Licensing, Raytheon Company; Anne Sabourin, Assistant General Counsel, BASF Corporation; J. Bruce Schelkopf, Chief Counsel, Global IP, Cummins Inc.; and D. Travis Wilson, Patent Counsel, McCarthy Legal Services, LLC.