LES 2017 Spring Meeting:

Washington Attendees Debate IP Policy In Legal, Life Sciences And Automotive Sectors

By Carla J. Blackman

Washington DC played host to the LES (USA & Canada) 2017 Spring Meeting, delivering a wealth of information on IP Policy in a variety of industries. It took place steps away from the White House in the historic Willard InterContinental Hotel during mid-May. President Brian O’Shaughnessy welcomed nearly 200 attendees at a reception in the Embassy of Canada, followed by remarks from Gilles Gauthier, Minister (Economic Affairs) who reported on the robust trade between the U.S. and Canada.

Back at The Willard on May 10, exciting discussions among high-profile panelists took the place of the traditional plenary speakers. They included:

• How Legislation Affects IP Owners: moderated by Tamlin Bason, Legal Associate, Bloomberg Analyst
  
• Autonomous Vehicles, IP, Regulations and Getting Safe Vehicles on the Road moderated by Richard Lloyd, North America Editor, Intellectual Asset Management (IAM)
  
• Slow Repeal of the Affordable Care Act (‘ACA”) and What Does That Mean for the Pharma and Biotech Industries moderated by Karthika Perumal, CLP, Technology Attorney, BRACEWELL, LLP.

Wednesday’s Keynote luncheon speaker featured The Honorable F. Scott Kieff, Commissioner U.S. International Trade Commission. Kieff gave a history lesson drawing parallels between Hamilton and Lincoln, also describing the Trade Commission’s approach under the current Trump Administration.

Attendees enjoyed networking at the outdoor patio reception before the Gala Dinner. Some may have missed “Millie” the duck hidden in the patio planter, nesting on newly laid eggs. Back in the nostalgic Willard Room, dinner music was provided by the String Attack, a local string quartet.

Thursday brought more knowledgeable panelists that debated the pros and cons of up-to-the-minute IP issues. A lively session kicked off the day with Honorable Faith Hochberg, United States District Judge (retired). She commented on “How the Judiciary is Affecting IP Policy- From Setting Policy to Dealing with Policy.”

Thursday’s luncheon panel showed “A View From the Top: Industry Leaders Discuss their IoT Vision and Opportunities” moderated by Efrat Kasznik, President, Foresight Valuation Group. Panelists commented on how the Internet of Things (IoT) will change our lives and how regulations can make those changes safer.

Meeting afternoons rolled out targeted workshops, which provided gems of interactive educational opportunities in each of the sectors. Popular offerings included:

• Standards as an Adjunct—or an Alternative—to Legislation, Litigation and/or Regulation moderated by Ron Laurie, Managing Director, Inflexion Point Strategy LLC
  
• Cybersecurity and Privacy: Practical Tips to Survive and even Thrive in the Dangerous World of Digital Hackers, Phishers, and Hijackers moderated by Jonathon Hance, Bracewell LLP
  
• Augmented and Virtual Reality—New IP for New Media moderated by Stephen Kabakoff, Partner, Finnegan Henderson

Much pertinent information was provided in the Standards session. Among the panelists was esteemed Chief Judge Paul R. Michel (retired). He commented, “LES in my judgment, is uniquely situated to help improve the operation of the United States Patent System because it is the bridge between the users of technology and owners of technology. Its members understand valuation and the realities of business and competition in a way that no other group… can match.”

Judge Michel continued, “There’s a great need for input because IP policy, and particularly the patent policy, has become highly politicized. LES can play a great role to dispel confusion and to bring rationality and good sense to the debate. I’m very hopeful that LES will step up to the challenge and if it does it can do great service to the country and it’s future.

With that as a takeaway the Spring Meeting came to a close at a networking reception on Thursday evening. Attendees were energized, eager to discuss the workshop ideas for IP policy, and plan for the Annual Meeting in Chicago.