Emerging Technology Forum Myth and Reality: Intellectual Property and Emerging Technologies November 30, 2006
Event Sponsor: Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Many technology companies see a patent portfolio as the jewel in the crown. But some investors and entrepreneurs are obsessed with IP and so let the cost of patent protection overwhelm them. For emerging technology start-ups, limited cash and a poor understanding of IP make a deadly combination.
IP presents many challenges for both start-ups and established companies (think Blackberry). Is stealth the key or first mover advantage? Will IP save the day, or will patent trolls bring on an early night? A new company needs a clear focus and a plan—with answers to these questions and more. Entrepreneurs and investors must trade IP myths for a sophisticated understanding of patents, copyrights, and trade secrets.
Join us on November 30 from 6-9 p.m. at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati for a provocative discussion. Our panel of experts will explore the IP issues facing emerging technology companies, ranging from software to clean tech to biotech. Our business and legal presentations will highlight the key issues start-ups face and explore strategies for handling them.
Date: November 30, 2006 Location: Wilson Sonsini, 950 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto 94304-1050 Doors open: 6 pm for On-Site Registration and Informal Networking Panel Discussion; Q&A: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Fee: $55 VC Taskforce members, $65 Affiliates, $87 General
Hors d'oeuvres, wine and soft drinks will be served.
------------------------------------------------------------- Emerging Technology Forum Committee Overview The Emerging Technology Forum educates investors, entrepreneurs and trend watchers on the commercial potential and likely impact of "coming" technologies. Subjects in this forum have progressed beyond raw technology development to early product developments but are only beginning to see customer adoption and have not yet become broadly adopted by mainstream customers.
Committee: Dr. John Mashey, TechViser Lee Bruno, Editorial Director, Special Reports, The 451 Group Richard Bullen, Management Consultant David Tollen, principal, Tollen Legal
