LES Global News March 2015 Preview

Vol. XLIX No. 1

March 2014

LES NEWS GLOBAL

Highlights

A d v a n c i n g

Meetings

Societies’ News

t h e

B u s i n e s s

o f

New Members

I n t e l l e c t u a l

P r o p e r t y

Reviews G l o ba l l y

First Pan-European Young Member Event Presents Challenges In Licensing

By Tilman Müller-Stoy

O

n November 15, 2013 the first Pan-European Young Member Event was held in Vienna. More than 70 participants—almost half of all LESI YMC members—attended the conference. The conference was hosted in the magnificent old ceremonial hall at the Vienna University of Technology. The general topic discussed was “Challenges in Licensing.” Speakers came from different countries all across Europe (Germany, Austria, Sweden, France, Switzerland) and even from outside of Europe (U.S., Russia) as well as from different professions (law, business, industry). The topics were as different as the licensing business in Russia, the recent evolution of U.S. patent law, compulsory licenses for SEPs, and technology transfer in a global electronics company.

Despite the beauty of Vienna, all attendees stayed for the whole conference. In the evening, the conference was followed by an excellent dinner at “Huth im Haus der Musik,” a beautiful venue in the heart of the city. As a must for a Young Member Event, the dinner was followed by a pub crawl which ended late in the night for many attendees and for some even lasted until the morning rose.

As the Vienna event was such a big success, plans are already underway for the second Pan-European YMC event in 2014 which will be held in Paris. Further, preliminary discussions are taking place for organizing a first Pan-Asian and a first Pan-American YMC event.

The LES 100 Course in Vienna, held in combination with the first Pan-European YMC event, took place on November 16, 2013.

During the preparations for the Young Members Event, the idea came up to combine the event by offering an LES 100 Course by LES Austria as young members and potential future young members are one of the main target groups of a Basics Course. Both events were advertised jointly. The trainer team consisted of three persons, Hayley

MAKE THE WORLD BETTER THROUGH LICENSING

Young Member Event, continued on Page 8

Attendees listen to presenters on the topic of Challenges in Licensing.

Hayley French presents at the Young Member Event in Vienna.

MAY 18-21, 2014 MOSCOW www.LES2014.org

LES Global News—Highlights

Inside LES Global News Highlights & Legal Updates –Pages 1-8 Joining Hands, Driving Membership, Sharing –Pages 5-7

Society News –Pages 12-15

Meetings & Delegates –Pages 9-11, 16-17, 21-24

Memoriam —Page 20

Book Reviews –Pages 18-20

Quick Links: www.lesi.org www.lesi.org/les-nouvelles www.lesi.org/les-societies www.les-europe.org www.les-asiapacific.org

Call For Content We request contributions from all societies and individuals about important events, changes in the law in your country or region, conferences, annual meetings, board changes, and the like from your society. You can submit articles or announcements to the editor or use the form on the website at the following address: www.lesi.org/les-societies/lesglobal-news/submission-form.

Deadlines: January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15 Editor: Larry Plonsker, 10580 Northgreen Dr., Wellington, FL 33449 • Email: editor@LESI.org

Copyright © 2014 Licensing Executives Society International

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A Stronger LES In The Year Of The Horse And Beyond

By Yvonne Chua, President, LES International

W

ith the arrival of the Year of the Horse which symbolizes passion, perseverance and progress, may this year bring happiness and prosperity to all in the LES family. As the global economy continues with the innovation drive, the coming year will undoubtedly bring more excitement to all in the IP arena.

GTIF 2014 The Global Technology Impact Forum (GTIF) 2014 held in Geneva was another pride for LESI. Under the theme “Collaboration,” which coincides with the spirit of my presidential theme Joining Hands, and partnering with WIPO, we were blessed with participation from governments (including the USPTO, Brazilian National Development Bank, Mexican Ministry of Economy, Industry Canada Ministry and the U.S. Mission), NGO community (ACPAA, AIPPI, and AUTM), entrepreneurs, finance, IP business community as well as the LES family across the Americas, Europe and Asia.

The program was inspiring and enriching as we all worked towards global cooperation on the use of IP for regional economic development and for the betterment of mankind. Our panel speakers included WIPO Director-General Francis Gurry and the WTO’s IP Division Director Antony Taubman. The keynote address by U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit Chief Judge Randall Rader beautifully reminded us that our patent system is in fact a compassionate gift that we pass to our next generation.

Leading non-profits such as the Gates Foundation and Medicines Patent Pool shared their work on providing innovation to developing countries. From our corporate participation, one interesting panel from Orange, Qualcomm and Ericsson focused on developments in mobile and telecomm technologies.

With great pleasure, I presented the Best National IP Technology and Transfer Policy Award 2013 to the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Technology Development Committee for its pioneer program “Takamul”; and to the Mexican Ministry of Economy and National Council for Science and Technology for its program on “the Creation and Capacity Building of Knowledge Transfer Offices”; whilst “Water for Humans” was recognized as the Outstanding Humanitarian Technology Transfer Initiative 2013 for its work in rural Mexico.

I am truly thankful to all participants for joining hands with LESI at this unique forum.

Please join me in congratulating the GTIF Planning Committee including Hector Chagoya, James Malackowski, Martin Schneider, Gary Keller, Kristi Stathis, Raymond Reuteler, Chris Katopis and all for their yearlong dedicated work.

For details of the GTIF 2014 program and presentations, please visit www.gtiforum.org/gtif2014.

Licensing Executives Society International

Congratulations to the GTIF Planning Committee, and to Award Winners (with plaques): Hector Chagoya, Martha Angélica Peña Ceniceros, Yvonne Chua, Rick McKenney, Ahmed Al Calily, Jim Malackowski and Arnaud Michel.

LES Global News—Highlights

Planning Meeting—Regionalisation It was heart-warming to see many of our National Presidents and Committee leaders joining the Board in Geneva for the Winter Planning Meeting. Their presentations, very well prepared, immediately drew interesting discussions on various captivating topics of concern for the LESI Family. Under the theme “A Focus on Regionalisation” as announced for the next society year, President Elect Arnaud Michel chaired the meeting. The main goal was to study the strengths and weaknesses of regional societies, improvements that could be done and how we could join hands to overcome challenges, assist societies in their mission and enhance value to members. At the heart of the consideration was the inventive tools and international focus of committees, including national committees, to get a critical mass that would in turn increase LESI synergies and true global discussions on global issues. In this day long and productive meeting where more than 40 of us gathered, committees also shared their work progress to-date and their plans for the upcoming society year.

Addressing IP Trends With the increased global enthusiasm on the business of IP, I was invited in January to speak at the 2014 Asian Licensing Conference held in Hong Kong, the largest annual event of its kind in Asia, on the topic of ‘Intellectual Property Protection for Brand Owners and Practical Tips on Licensing.’

At GTIF, I was honoured to speak on ‘Global IP Trends 2013 Highlights’ at the first Panel Session. As IP and technology transfer issues are becoming more essential to all aspects of our lives and around the globe, and with IP filings rising to new heights with Asia as an IP powerhouse; in such trends, we see the unique strengths of LES in advancing the business of IP. Pursuant to the tremendous interest on the Asian IP marketplace, at the Seminar organized by LES Britain & Ireland in London on 23 Jan 2014, I shared a presentation on ‘Recent IP Trends in the Asia Pacific,’ which was a collaborative effort of all LES Asia Pacific societies and an excellent illustration of the power of joining hands.

Fostering Our Collaboration With WIPO In the spirit of continued collaboration with WIPO following our MOU, LESl is pleased to accept WIPO’s invitation to join as a partner in WIPO’s new initiative, WIPO Green, to tackle environmental challenges of the day. Launched in November 2013 with wide publicity, WIPO Green is an interactive marketplace that promotes innovation and the diffusion of green technologies among the industry. Markus Ineichen, vice-chair of LESI External Relations Committee, represents LESI in serving on the Advisory Board.

We are pleased to be a founding partner of this meaningful program, which is now connected to over 25 partners across different regions and are committed to contribute to its important work and success.

LESI has also been invited in a project carried out through WIPO Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) that supports innovators in developing countries in creating and managing new solutions to technological challenges. Currently, the program’s focus includes connecting participants from WIPO innovation support centers in Africa, Asia, and South America.

Based on our reputation for education and excellence in IP insights, WIPO invited LESI to participate in TISC’s online educational program series. Our External Relations Committee will select the speakers. Other participating organizations include the Gates Foundation, New Hampshire Law School and General Electric.

Joined by President Elect Arnaud Michel, Presidential Nominee James Sobieraj, and Markus Ineichen, we had fruitful meetings in Geneva in January with Dr. Francis Gurry, Director General of WIPO, and various other WIPO officers on fostering a closer collaboration, in accordance with our MOU with them.

WIPO has been our strong strategic partner for GTIF since the inaugural forum in January 2012.

Society Visits In fulfilling my presidential duty and with pleasure, I visited LES Germany in January and attended their Seminar and General Assembly when I presented the Joining Hands chopsticks to newly elected President Peter Hess, a dear LES friend. In meeting with their board, I am impressed by its good mix of members from the industry, university and legal sectors, etc., built up through its detailed ‘succession plan’ and also its in- Peter Hess (left) and Frank creasing female composition. Zacharias joining hands with Yvonne Chua.

In my subsequent visit to LES Britain & Ireland, one of the earliest LES societies to be established, I was invited to take part in a special programme which included a seminar, drinks reception and dinner as well as their board meeting prior thereto. I am delighted to see that many senior members are continuing their involvement in the society; at the same time, young members have wonderful ideas Jennifer Pierce, President of LES Britain & Ireland, receives a gift to contribute. My sincere from Yvonne Chua. thanks to both societies for making my visits very special. The warmth of this LES friendship will always be remembered.

Joining Hands The Joining Hands theme has successfully inspired many collaborations amongst societies, committees and between LES and other organizations. The first Pan European YMC Event which took place in Vienna in November 2013 under the joint support of LESI, LES Austria and others was a primary success of Joining Hands. Other collaborations such as by the IUGT, Life Sciences and European Committees are in progress. At the same time, the President’s Message, continued on Page 4 March 2014

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LES Global News—Highlights President’s Message, continued from Page 3 AP Regional Meeting to take place in Seoul in November as well as the PanLatin American meeting with LES Chile, LES Brazil and LES Andean Community joining hands are also on their way.

Importantly, with the World IP Day fast approaching on 26 April 2014, I would strongly encourage all national societies to take part in “Joining Hands Around the World with LES” by hosting a local event and/or education program in celebration of the value and benefits of IP and licensing in your community. Once again, John Paul and Gary Keller are heading this project and will be reporting the wonderful results at our Moscow Delegates Meeting and in LES Global News. I sincerely hope that every one of our 32 societies will work together to create a great series of simultaneous LES events around the globe. For details, please see http://www.lesi.org/events/around-the-world-with-les.

LESI President’s Awards Following the announcement in Philadelphia of the new Award on “Outstanding Activity/Event of the Year” to LES (USA & Canada) and LES Japan jointly, I am excited to announce that the LESI Board has approved the granting of “The President’s International Service Recognition Award” to Dr. Hayley French, a remarkable member, also President-elect of LES Britain & Ireland who has for over 20 years dedicated untiring service to LES, specifically on education, with great accomplishments. The President’s Award on “Most Progressive Society of the Year” goes to LES Korea for its revolutionary reformation in the last 2 years when it has witnessed a sharp increase in membership, notably from industry sectors, and the establishment of four active committees namely, Network Committee, Education Committee, Business Committee and Publishing Committee, with each committee being led by a vice president and at least two managing directors. Its innovative programs, “The Licensing Clinic” and “The Global Licensing Support Initiative,” as well as its education courses and networking activities to strengthen ties with other NGOs, not to mention its active engagement in LESI activities, have all contributed to its well-deserved recognition. I am thankful for the support by many national societies in submitting nominations for these Awards and please do join me in giving a big applause to these awardees at our forthcoming Moscow Delegates Meeting to be held from 16 to 18 May.

Improvements in LESI Website LESI continues to improve the website to enhance the user experience, thanks to the committed work of Mark Horsburgh, Shawn Jacka, Ned Barlas and Chris Katopis. The long term goal is to make the website a portal for any professional engaged in commercialisation of intellectual property and the aim is to provide an access point for news and events relevant to your specific region, sector and interests.

As a first step we have enhanced the delivery of event information by providing a click-through map to local events. The next improvement will be better use of web page real estate to deliver more information on the home page. Significant improvements to access the membership directory are in the pipeline.

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Licensing Executives Society International

BioPharmaceutical Royalty Rate and Deal Terms Survey A significant LES membership value is the exclusive access to the BioPharmaceutical Royalty Rate and Deal Terms Survey. On behalf of the LESI Board, I am pleased that we again support conducting the survey this year as funded jointly by LESI and LES (USA & Canada) biannually.

As industry experts know, valuable data and information surrounding deals of the biopharma industry are often publicly unavailable due to regulations and strict confidentiality requirements promulgated by the governmental and other regulatory bodies, or are being held by proprietary databases. The LES Survey has emerged as a valuable tool for members, dealmakers, practitioners, and those interested in the biopharma business sector.

I will ask all members to support the Royalty Rate Survey when contacted by their national society. The process strives for confidentiality and privacy. Your identity (and any employer’s identity) will be strictly protected. The forthcoming results are most valuable and provide insights for many across the LESI community who work in the biopharma industry.

2014 LESI Annual Conference Our highlight of the year is fast approaching. The LESI Annual Conference will be held from 18 to 21 May, being the first international IP conference on this scale to be held in Russia. Under the theme ‘Make the World Better through Licensing,’ there will be a particular focus on globalisation and emerging markets such as Russia, the CIS countries, Brazil and China. The Organising Committee from LES Russia has created a wonderful program of plenary sessions and workshops covering diverse issues all closely related to the business of licensing. Plenary speakers include senior representatives of the Russian Government and industry.

Highly regarded IP leaders, such as Dr. Francis Gurry, US Chief Judge Randall Rader together with senior industry representatives from Siemens, TATA Technologies, J&J and other multinational companies, will also be addressing us.

Excitingly, the Conference and the LESI Delegates Meeting will be held at the prestigious World Trade Centre and the special dinner cruise on the River Moscow will surely be one of the highlights. I warmly invite all to join us in May for this unique experience where LES members and the IP community from all over the world will take part in an excellent program of education and social events. For further details please visit http://les2014.org.

Conclusion The 2013-2014 Society year is progressing quickly with many outstanding activities having been achieved through the persistent collaborative efforts of many LES members. As we continue to expand Joining Hands across the LES family and beyond, I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to all for your participation and support to the Joining Hands theme and in giving sparkle to the first part of our society year. As always, I am eager to learn your thoughts on how to deliver even more value to our members and I also look forward to seeing you at our Moscow Meeting in May. ■

LES Global News—Highlights Driving Membership

LESI Member Societies Drive Membership

By John Walker

T

he LES family comprises 32 separate member societies many of which are ‘multi-country’ or regional. All of these member societies operate relatively independently under the LESI umbrella. However, all societies have one goal in common—to maximize the benefits and experiences to all members through joining LES. In this edition, three of our member societies provide some inJohn Walker sights into how they go about encouraging member participation.

One approach used by LES France is to offer its members a fixed and ‘all inclusive’ annual membership fee. This fee includes all LES France’s events (in 2013 this included about 10 conferences and events, including its one day annual meeting in a very nice central Paris location). “These provide great networking opportunities which members look forward to,” says LES France President Emmanuel Gougé.

The only benefits not included are specific training courses, such as LES100, but these are offered at a very attracEmmanuel Gougé tive rate.

Even with its training courses, LES France aims to organise events, such as LES100, in its regions. This year an IAM course is scheduled in Toulouse, Gouge said. “We also are keen to reach out to SMEs and smaller start-ups,” he added.

LES France have also introduced a Young Members Group.

This Group provides great networking sessions and workshops such as mock trials and licensing negotiations. Numbers are generally limited to encourage interaction and participation.

Educational events feature prominently in LES Switzerland’s agenda. “We normally aim to organize five educational events per year. Two of them in the French speaking part, three in the German speaking part, of which one is a weekend in the Alps,” says Regula Altmann-Johl, President of LES Switzerland. “The weekend specially gives the opportunity to socialize as well,” she adds.

Altmann-Johl considers that by having an active and enthusiastic board and ‘core group’ of members, they can get an accurate picture of the benefits of being a member of LES. As an example, they always disRegula Altmann-Johl

cuss the topics and potential speakers for the seminars within the board. LES Switzerland’s Board has representatives of law firms, universities, and industry, and this leads to a yearly program interesting to different groups of potential participants.

Playing host to broader regional (Pan European in Davos) and international (Zurich) LES events has also provided LES Switzerland the opportunity to demonstrate to its members the benefits of being part of a global professional organization.

LESANZ President Tim Jones reinforces the France and Switzerland experience. “In a nutshell, most of LESANZ’s membership satisfaction is driven by regular and interesting regional events (ideally between 8-12 in each region), an IAM course (ideally 1 per year per region), together with our Annual LESANZ Conference.”

With an extensive geographical Tim Jones spread—from Perth to Wellington—LESANZ strongly believes that regular events in all local regional areas encourages members and maintains healthy member networking and benefits.

Each region has its own committee with the autonomy to select topics and run the event, supported by the national secretariat for admin, social media, marketing, etc. LESANZ encourages members to bring a guest for free to outreach to new potential members and clients of its current members.

Balance of events is paramount. “We try very hard to maintain a mix between the dryer IP law type events, and the more interesting commercially focused events, such as panel discussions and ‘war stories’ from entrepreneurs and innovators,” says Jones.

Whilst the regions are relatively autonomous, LESANZ are looking at introducing a national ‘series’ of popular events that we run across all regions, possibly using the same speakers and fly them to each city.

Use of this regional model means LESANZ’s IAM 101 Course is run in each region during the year (it includes membership as an option) and IAM102 is always run at its Annual Conference. LESANZ’s Annual Conference rotates around its regions and thereby stimulates interest in LES in that region.

The above experiences from three of our most active member societies all reinforce the benefits members can receive from LESI. They demonstrate a key lesson for member societies—education and networking (both professionally and socially) represent a powerful tool for enhancing the membership experience. However, the message to members is even more important—if you have any ideas or suggestions for stimulating activity in your member society, don’t just think about it; rather, get involved. Not only can this be personally very satisfying, but you can be assured the member society will really appreciate it. ■ March 2014

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LES Global News—Highlights Sharing

Reflections On LES In Greater China—

Impressions From 4th LES Asia Pacific Regional Conference Hangzhou, China, October 15–17, 2013

By Heinz Goddar

H

aving been privileged to contribute to the development of China’s patent system in general since 1981, upon initiative by the German Patent Office (as the German Patent and Trademark Office, GPTO, was called at that time), having helped in the coming into existence of LES China in 1986, having had the pleasure during my Presidency in LESI in 2000 to bring the (Sub-)Chapter Hong Kong of LES China into life in the year 2000, and, last but not least, later having contributed to the foundation of LES Chinese Taipei in 2003, I had the pleasure to experience the developments of the various LES “branches” in “Greater China” at the 4th Asia Pacific Regional Conference at Hangzhou with great satisfaction.

I had participated, before that, in various local and regional conferences of both LES China (LES-CN), LES China— Chapter Hong Kong (LES-CN-HK), and also LES Chinese Taipei (LES-CT). Also, I had experienced a closer and closer cooperation between the aforementioned LES branches on an international scale under various aspects. What struck me at Hangzhou, however, has been the experience of a very mature interaction and collaboration between LES-CN, LESCN-HK and LES-CT, as it had already led in the past to a number of cross-strait activities.

Needless to say, how touching it has been for me to see

“LES is truly a global family.

Before traveling internationally, I always reach out to my friends in LES or the local chapter to attend an LES meeting during my visit.”

—Jim Malackowski, Past-President LESI 6

Licensing Executives Society International

how smoothly the aforementioned LES branches, belonging presently to different policital/economic systems, work together on a very practical level. If one compares the situation and peaceful collaborative development of the LES family in the respective part of the world over the last years, with the problems that still exist in other professional organizations insofar, my impression is that LES has fully succeeded in its superior role as the NGO engaging in international trade with services, like technology transfer. Insofar, LES functions as a natural counterpart to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

I believe that the Hangzhou Regional Conference, followed

by LES China’s Annual Meeting 2013 where I had been invited by the Board of LES China to participate as a “narrative” Keynote Speaker, explaining my personal experiences with the LES history in “Greater China”, has proven again that LESI and its national/regional societies are the real stakeholders of the realization of Article 7 TRIPS. In a nutshell: I have been proud that I had the chance to contribute to many of the above mentioned developments in “Greater China” to a certain extent, be it as a member of various Committees of LESI, be it as a member of the Board and President thereof. May the cross-strait as well as intraChina development of the LES family in “Greater China” continue its prosperous path for many, many years to come, for the benefit of all of its members and beyond! ■

Neil Wilkof: Co-Winner Of The 2013 INTA Advancement Of Trademark Law Award

T

he International Trademark Association noted Neil’s “long-time contribution as a writer, a speaker and an educator. Most recently, while serving on the Editorial Board of INTA’s peerreviewed journal, The Trade Mark Reporter, Neil has been instrumental in expanding the journal’s global reach and enriching its content.” Neil is a long time LES member. ■

LES Global News—Highlights Joining Hands

By François Painchaud

Around The World With LES

By Chris Katopis

W

ith the World IP Day, which will fall on April 26, 2014 this year, the Joining Hands project reaches its whole magnitude.

This is a particularly important initiative for LES this year as Joining Hands brings together all the local chapters of many Societies. John Paul and Gary Keller will lead the LESI effort along with Chris Katopis. As in the past, we would ask your support to plan activities for this year and consider how you can celebrate the value and benefits of IP and licensing in your community. Please let us know by March 15, 2014 (email atw@lesi.org) who will be the designated coordinator for your national society and provide the coordinator’s contact information. We trust your leadership will enable another great impact on the LES family.

LES Japan took the lead by making a meaningful visit to its mentee, LES Malaysia, on November 19, 2013 [link to the story enclosed]. Both societies exchanged on their activities and on IP and License topics. More than the professional aspect, the human experience teaches us how to better work together, erasing borders and enhancing our potential.

LES Chile also chose to broaden its perspectives by joining hands with LES Andean Countries and LES Brazil in their efforts towards having a Pan-Latin American meeting in the near future. In the meantime they will organize a joint meeting with Andean Countries and Brazil in 2015 in Santiago, Chile. All this positive emulation will gather LESI strengths to help bring them visibility and new members. At the same time, LESI Past President, Kevin Nachtrab, traveled to Chile from October 21st to 24th 2013 to meet the leadership of LES Chile. They enthusiastically support the initiative to bring the LESI CLP review courses to Chile, as it was highlighted that putting on educational offerings will help to raise the profile of LES in Chile.

We are all thankful for these initiatives, which embody the creative drive of LESI and remind us that the big and strong LESI family mountain is made of little stones. What’s yours? ■

M

ember Societies of the Licensing Executive Society International around the world hold events under the umbrella of “LES Around The World (ATW)” on or around April 26th, the day on which the WIPO Convention came into force in 1970. LES ATW is an extraordinary opportunity to reach out to our like-minded colleagues and other organizations to celebrate our passion for our profession.

The goal of LES ATW is to increase general understanding of what IP really means and offers an opportunity each year to join with others around the globe, to highlight, discuss and demonstrate how IP helps shape our world. Across the globe, events are held that bring together IP stakeholders, experts, and novices from within the LES organization and in partnership with other organizations and outsiders.

The practical effect is that LES members come together—or “Join Hands”—within their own society, as well as with the LES family as a whole. Societies are encouraged to be as creative as they like in organizing ATW events, whether it is a series of IP and business seminars or merely a reception at a firm office.

Examples of past ATW events have included: • Multi-day seminars on patents, trademarks, and licensing; presentations made in connection with local universities; • Networking luncheons; meeting with local IP agents; coordinating with a government agency, such as a patent office or an embassy; • Supporting a WIPO workshop for an ASEAN delegation; hosting a quiz game; holding a happy hour reception.

LES ATW, continued on Page 9

LES Czech Republic—Mr. Emil Jeneral from the Czech IPO discusses the European Patent Convention, at the LES ATW.

March 2014

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LES Global News—Highlights

LIVE, IN NEW YORK…..

The FINAL ROUND of the LES International Business Plan Competition!

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lan now to join the LES Foundation for the Final Round of its 2014 International Graduate Student Business Plan Competition, March 24th from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, 1605 Broadway (at 49th) in New York—one day in advance of the LES (USA & Canada) Mid-Year Meeting.

“The Finals are open to anyone who is interested in seeing next-generation technologies and meeting future IP leaders,” said Competition Chair Annemarie Meike. “It’s an exciting afternoon and a great way to kick-off the LES meeting.”

This year, 74 teams from around the globe, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Great Britain, India, Kenya, Sweden and the United States competed, and on February 7th six teams were invited to advance to the Final Round in New York where they will present their innovative busi-

ness plans to an expert panel of judges in hopes of winning the $10,000 Grand Prize or the $5,000 LES International Global Award. All of the finalist teams will select from a pool of valuable in-kind prizes. Visit www.lesfoundation.org for more on the finalist teams.

The LES Foundation Board credits numerous Competition supporters for this year’s impressive pool of participants, including: • LES (USA & Canada) Chapters and LESI National Societies for their assistance in reaching out and recruiting teams from university programs locally and regionally. “Special kudos goes to the Houston Chapter for creating a Competition Chair position to help coordinate team recruitment in Texas in support of the Competition,” said Foundation Board President Tom Britven. “We hope other chapters will adopt this idea so that we can continue to grow this great event.”

• Mentorship Chairs Phil Barnett and Mark Smith, who worked to enhance the functionality and reach of the Mentor Program to assure expert mentorship for the teams in preparation for the Finals.

• 2014 Judge Coordinator Mike Kraus, who recruited over 50 judges internationally. This robust complement of judges not only assures statistical accuracy, but also facilitates the Foundation’s goal of providing educational benefit and comprehensive feedback to all participating teams, even those eliminated in the First Round.

• All of the 2014 mentors and judges for their most valuable contributions.

• LES (USA & Canada), LES International and Global Award recipients Stephen Kayode of ParadigMed (left) and Antonio Gentile of MRS all of our 2014 sponsors and donors for their valuable financial and in-kind support. ■ (right) celebrate their winnings with LES Foundation Secretary Peter Ross.

Young Member Event, continued from Page 1 French from Great Britain and Daniel Herzog as well as Karin Hofmann from Austria.

The course was scheduled on a Saturday to make it easy for European Young members coming for the YMC Event to take part in the course if they stayed for the weekend.

The benefit of this combination for LES Austria was a larger attendee group because of the YMC participants and the exchange of viewpoints from other countries for the Austrian attendees.

There were 23 persons registered, of which 21 attended the course, despite the excellent evening program of the YMC Event the day before. The participants came from 8

Licensing Executives Society International

seven different European countries (38 percent Austrian participants). With regard to the professional background there was a good composition among the attendees, coming from university technology transfer offices, industry and law firms.

The participants as well as the trainers enjoyed the course, especially the Licensing Game, and the feedback was very good. Furthermore, there were three new LES members registered in Austria and some more in other countries due to the Event.

To cut it short, the LES 100 Course offered in combination with the YMC Event was a great success. ■

LES Global News—Meetings

Global Technology Impact Forum Recap January 19-21, Geneva, Switzerland

By Chris Katopis

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n January 2014, the 3rd Annual LESI Global Technology Impact Forum (GTIF) was hosted by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, Switzerland. GTIF is the most significant gathering of senior leadership of nongovernment organizations (NGOs) dedicated to the business of intellectual property globally and specifically to the transfer of IP and related technology to those in need.

The event proved to be a powerful collaboration of renowned IP professionals and senior leaders in science and technology. We were pleased to welcome a number of first time participant NGOs including the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), American Council on Renewable Energy and the Drugs for Neglected Disease Initiative. And we welcomed back a number of organizations who had participated previously, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Trade Organization, All China Patent Attorney Association (ACPAA), AIPPI, and AUTM, among others. We were pleased to welcome diplomatic mission representatives from several governments, including Canada, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, UAE and the United States. The USPTO provided an update on its Patents for Humanity pilot program.

While many traditional events encourage interaction among the panelists, this event extended the sharing of insights to members of the galley. In many instances over the

two day event, LES Society Members from throughout Europe, the United States, South Africa, Singapore and China were part of the dialogue during the panel presentation on various topics. One particular moment of note was when a panel specifically called upon Jorge Goldstein (LES (USA & Canada), of the Sterne, Kessler Goldstein & Fox law firm to discuss their IP pro bono practice. They see IP as a human right. Jorge discussed the firm’s pro bono representation in a matter concerning the licensing of the jagua plant (which produces a safe blue food colorant) with European multinationals. A lively conversation on public health issues, including the trademark issues surrounding tobacco plain packaging, also emerged.

It is in fact this collaboration, consistent with Yvonne Chua’s theme for this year of “Joining Hands,” that presented the most significant moments during the event. Of particular note in this regard was the corporate representatives discussions with various NGOs following a remarkable panel focused on developments in mobile and telecomm technologies, which featured speakers from Orange (Luc Savage, LES France), Qualcomm (Sean Murphy), and Ericsson (Gustav Brismark).

For those who would like to learn more about the GTIF 2014 program, speakers, and see the presentations, please visit www.gtiforum.org/gtif2014. ■

LES ATW, continued from Page 7 As an LES member, you should be proud that we host this unique global gathering of thought-leaders, NGOs, government representatives, corporate, and firm experts.

We urge your society to become involved with your local events this year.

We are pleased that the following LES societies are among those who have made commitments to celebrate ATW 2014: Arab Countries Australia and New Zealand Austria Benelux Brazil Chile China-Hong Kong France Italy Japan Korea Malaysia Philippines Russia Scandinavia South Africa Spain and Portugal Switzerland Turkey USA & Canada

For the latest information on ATW 2014 events, please visit: http://www.lesi.org/events/around-the-world-with-les. ■

World IP Day experts from LES Arab Countries: (right to left): Ali Jazairy (WIPO), Gary Keller (Xomix), Andreas Winkler (Boehmert), Heinz Goddar (Boehmert), Omer Hiziroglu (Inovent), Mohammad Shariff (U. Putra) and Raja Saliba (Sughrue).

March 2014

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LES Global News—Meetings LES (USA & Canada)

Meet Some Of The World’s Leading IP Dealmakers At The 2014 LES Mid-Year Meeting— Featuring Sector Specific Networking & Workshops Program Update: United States District Judge James F. Holderman will present “F/RAND Licensing: A Federal Judge’s Perspective” as the Keynote Speaker on Thursday, March 27. Judge Holderman is the only federal judge who, to date, has made a RAND determination in the context of a multi-district, multi-party case. He did so in October 2013 in Innovatio IP Ventures, LLC Patent Litigation, MDL 2303. He is in a unique position to provide a federal judge’s perspective on F/RAND licensing.

B

uilding lasting professional relationships and collaborating with peers from around the globe is consistently cited as a top benefit of attending LES meetings. The 2014 LES Mid-Year Meeting, March 25 to 27 at the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, will bring together hundreds of experienced professionals from the legal, financial, business and technology fields to discuss trends and best practices in IP and licensing.

A truly international event, the Mid-Year Meeting will host attendees from more than a dozen countries including Canada, China, Switzerland, Germany, Mongolia, Taiwan, Korea, Japan and the United Kingdom. Speakers from GE, Pfizer, IMG Worldwide, Lilly Ventures, Bose Corporation and many other IP experts will lead thought-provoking and interactive sessions.

The Mid-Year Meeting offers innovative programming customized for each LES sector, as well as expanded cross-sector networking opportunities. This unique format facilitates industryspecific learning while promoting cross-sector collaboration and information exchange.

Sector Specific Workshops, Open to All Attendees, Include: • Life Sciences—How Biopharma Innovation Centers Are Collaborating with Academia to Produce Results—Representatives from various biopharma “innovation centers” will discuss the structures they have developed and adopted to foster and facilitate development collaboration with academia. Moderators: Christine Fischette, Senior Advisor, Griffin Securities and Ron Newbold, PhD, MBA, Vice President Strategic Research Partnerships External R&D Innovation Worldwide Research & Development, Pfizer Inc. • High Tech—Trends & Opportunities in Semiconductor Licensing—Topics include: the effects of more complex systemon-chip devices on patent and technology licensing activities; how industry consolidation impacts semiconductor companies’ IP defense and monetization strategies; the impact of shifts in global markets—such as the rise of China—on licensing activities; and synergies and tensions between licensing and product businesses. Speakers: Drew Fellows, VP Licensing Processors, ARM Ltd.; Changhae Park, VP of IP Licensing, Freescale Semiconductor; Phil Shaer Sr. VP & GC, Conver10

Licensing Executives Society International

sant IP Management; and Stefan Tamme, VP of IP Strategy, Rambus. Note: This session is a follow-up to an article published in the December issue of les Nouvelles.

• Industry-University-Government Interface—Doing Deals with Chinese Universities: An In-Country Perspective—This workshop will provide a brief overall view of the current IP environment in China; describe the challenges in obtaining patents in China; discuss the core differences in patent prosecution practice between the U.S. and China; and review the key considerations when dealing with a licensee based in China. Speakers: Mark Bloom, CLP™, RTTP™, Director of Corporate Alliances & Technology Transfer, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences and Philip Zhang, Ph.D., Co-Managing Principal, Milstein Zhang & Wu LLC. • Chemicals, Energy, Environmental, and Materials—I Built My Patent Portfolio, But Did I Build It On Quicksand?— Recent case law out of the U.S. Supreme Court defining patentable subject matter and the scope of 35 U.S.C. §101 has created uncertainty regarding what is eligible for patenting.

And cases involving exhaustion of intellectual property rights have added to this uncertainty. This workshop will focus on strategies for handling and valuing patent portfolios in view of the recent Court decisions of Prometheus v.

Mayo, Association for Molecular Pathology et al. v. U.S. P.T.O, et al. (“Myriad Litigation), and In re Bilski. Participants will offer tips for drafting license agreements that cover these patent portfolios from both a licensee and licensor standpoint and strategies for evaluating and creatively resolving issues with existing license agreements. Speakers: Steve Feldman, Husch Blackwell LLP; David Haas, Managing Director, Dispute Advisory & Forensic Services, Stout Risius Ross; and Sumiko Kobayashi, Partner Abe, Ikubo & Katayama (Japan).

• Consumer Products—Trademark Licensing in a Technology Driven World—With technology evolving at an accelerated pace, those involved in any areas dealing with trademark licensing must keep up with the pace of change. This presentation will explore suggested contract provisions to remain current with today’s technology; expand your trademark and

LES Global News—Meetings

The 2014 LES Mid-Year Meeting takes place at the Crowne Plaza Time Square in New York City.

your brand; protect your brand in a rapidly changing market; increase your brand value by using technology; and more.

Speakers: Weston Anson, Consor Intellectual Asset Management; Larry McFarland, IP Legal Specialist, Kilpatrick Townsend and Stockton LLP; and Robert Strand, VP Licensing, IMG Worldwide.

Building Important Relationships Face-to Face To facilitate networking and building strategic connections, attendees will have the opportunity to design their own agenda— in effect, creating a meeting within a meeting. Because meeting peers and professionals from other companies and industries is so integral to LES meeting attendees, networking events have been redesigned to more quickly connect newcomers and firsttimers with their groups of interest.

“The issues, laws and regulations of various countries need to be appreciated and understood by everyone in the IP and Licensing community. The Mid-Year meeting affords an excellent opportunity to learn and share with colleagues from more than a dozen countries,” says Russell Levine, Partner, Kirkland & Ellis LLP and LES USA and Canada President. “Time and again, the relationships made at LES meetings are the crucial factor in an important deal. Our goal is to increase the opportunity for attendees to connect within their sector as well as with those in other sectors.”

In Partnership With the New York Intellectual Property Law Association LES is pleased to partner with the New York Intellectual Prop-

erty Legal Association (NYIPLA) for this special Mid-Year Meeting, which will feature a timely session organized by the leading state professional association for intellectual property attorneys.

An additional opportunity for collaboration will take place on March 28, when the 92nd Annual NYIPLA Dinner in Honor of the Federal Judiciary will take place. The proximity of the Judges’ Dinner offers a unique opportunity to connect with the legal community. NYIPLA members will be eligible for a special registration fee to attend the LES Mid-Year Meeting, creating further opportunities for networking and information exchange.

Views From the Bench On Thursday, the Keynote Luncheon Speaker United States District Judge James F. Holderman will present “F/RAND Licensing: A Federal Judge’s Perspective.” Following Judge Holderman’s presentation, attendees will be able to hear more views from the bench during a special panel of U.S. District Court Judges discussing “Judicial Insight into Patent Infringement Litigation.”

IP & Licensing With an International Perspective This year, March 25 to 27 will be three days that will advance your competitive position. You’ll explore trends and exchange ideas at sector specific workshops and cross-sector networking.

You’ll collaborate on new strategies and best practices. So mark your calendar and register now for this outstanding opportunity to build relationships with the world’s leading licensing, intellectual property, business development and technology professionals. www.lesmidyear.org. ■ March 2014

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