Learn, Debate, Have Fun
“…a comprehensive, high-profile, two-day gathering addressing global intellectual property law and policy matters.”
Every spring, in the heart of New York City, Fordham University School of Law hosts its annual Intellectual Property Law and Policy Conference, a comprehensive, high-profile, two-day gathering addressing global intellectual property law and policy matters.
The conference attracts an international array of policy-makers, judiciary, litigators, practitioners, working legal professionals, journalists and world renowned experts in the IP field. I have had the pleasure of attending the conference for the past two years and have been singularly impressed with the format, topics, distinguished attendees, lively debate, and feeling of camaraderie.
The conference includes both plenary and breakout sessions presented on the most recent topics and developments in all IP matters ranging from patents, trademarks, copyright, competition law, piracy, enforcement and beyond. For example, last year’s conference included a timely session discussing the developments in the Megaupload case where the file hosting site megaupload.com had its domain names seized and the service was shut down by the United States Department of Justice in early 2012, following the indictment and arrests of the owners for allegedly operating as an organization dedicated to copyright infringement.
There ensued a heated discussion about whether there was overreaching in the case, whether the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) was necessary if such actions could be taken independently, and whether combatting piracy was more about needing the proper legal tools, or just better enforcement with existing tools. There was no clear consensus, and no easy answers presented, but there were many impassioned remarks on the topic, including compelling economic data presented about lost opportunities from those who would advocate for better protections against piracy in the digital age.
Of course, any comprehensive IP conference would be incomplete without discussions on the most recent developments in patent law. Working in the mobile telecommunications industry, I recognize the ever increasing importance of patents, the power of injunctions, and the need for a good licensing strategy. Google had recently completed its acquisition of Motorola Mobility and there was plenty of discussion around the potential impacts on litigation, licensing and competition. There was also a thought-provoking session that discussed, in part, whether non-practicing entities extracted a better economic output for the patents they hold than those held by manufacturers.
Dry wit and provocative comments
The sessions often end with a feeling of wanting more, but thankfully there are plenty of opportunities to continue discussions and also engage in some networking during breaks, over lunches and during receptions.
One year, the Hon. Mr. Justice Peter Charleton, of the High Court of Ireland, dined at my lunch table where we discussed not only IP issues of the day, but his interesting background in criminal matters. Another year, I lunched with the general counsel to Bloomberg L.P. and had some fun asking about the company’s founder, Michael Bloomberg, who is the current mayor of New York City. And lunch always concludes with some remarks from a distinguished guest speaker, and the conference host, Professor Hugh Hansen, who is known for his dry wit, and intentionally provocative comments.
The conference tag line “Learn, Debate, Have Fun” says it all. This dynamic and fun conference gives you an opportunity to keep abreast of the most recent developments in IP law, and lets you discuss them with experts all around the world, challenging your colleagues and learning along the way. Opinions and viewpoints do vary, but all the differing voices make it all the more interesting. And with New York City serving as the backdrop for the conference, you can continue your fun into the evening.
This year’s conference will be held on April 4-5, 2013. I hope to see you there.
William Dorgan
Nokia Corporation
Legal Director, Developer Experience
