Intellectual Property's Impact on Jobs and the Global Economy

The Institute for Policy Innovation is holding it's Fifth Annual World Intellectual Property Day Forum on April 26 at the Reserve Officers Association Headquarters Minuteman Memorial Building in Washington, DC.  There is no cost to attend this event, but Federalist Society members can receive up to 3 credits of CLE for only $50 by clicking the Register button at the top of this page.  All other registrants should RSVP for this event by contacting Erin Humiston at the Institute for Policy Innovation at 972-874-5139 or [email protected].

9:00 a.m.
Address: IP Law and Global Competitiveness

• Mr. James Pooley, Deputy Director General of Patents, World Intellectual Property Organization

9:30 a.m.
Address

• Ms. Marybeth Peters, United States Register of Copyrights, U.S. Copyright Office

9:50 a.m.
Panel Discussion: Small and Medium Enterprises, IP, Jobs & the Economy

This panel will address and discuss the critical nature of the IP system to the support and functioning of the US economy as demonstrated by small and medium enterprises. SMEs in all industries are becoming increasingly reliant on the protection of IP. Each change, whether via legislation or case law, has a disproportionate impact on smaller businesses as typically a larger percentage of its assets are IP. All legal "reforms" must consider this critical part of the economy and the implications of changes to the current system of legal protections.

• Ms. Jennifer Garcia, Owner, Logicreative Design
• Mr. Ben Cockerham, Co-Founder & COO, RightsFlow
• Mr. Sam D'Amico, Photographer & Educator
• Moderator: Dr. Merrill Matthews, IPI Resident Scholar

10:30 a.m.
Address: The Cult of the Amateur: How the Democratization of the Digital World is Assaulting Our Legal Culture, Our Economy and Our Values

• Mr. Andrew Keen, Author, Cult of the Amateur: How the Internet Is Killing Our Culture

11:00 a.m.
Debate: The Myriad Challenge: Do Biotech Patents Encourage or Deter Innovation?

Last month, a federal trial court rocked the foundations of the biotechnology industry when it invalidated certain gene patents held by Myriad Genetics in Association for Molecular Pathology v. USPTO. Those challenging the patents have claimed that the patents, which are related to the BRCA 1 and 2 breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility genes, impeded access to tests needed for basic health care. More generally, some contend that gene patents interfere with basic research and freedom of inquiry. Others contend that gene patents are property rights like any others and serve an essential role in promoting biomedical research, innovation, and economic growth. This debate will address the legal, doctrinal and policy issues involved.

• Prof. Adam Mossoff, George Mason University School of Law
• Prof. Joshua D. Sarnoff, DePaul University College of Law
• Moderator: Prof. Mark Schultz, Southern Illinois University School of Law

11:50 a.m.
Insider Discussion: View from the Inside: IP Law, Enforcement and Jobs

The Insider Forum is designed to provide participants with a real insight into potential changes on the horizon for the IPR legal regime, and comparing that to the current legal system, including the practical applications which effect creators of content. With a variety of legislation introduced each session of Congress designed to redefine IP rights and enforcement mechanisms, discussion of those with some chance of enforcement is crucial to planning and advising clients. In addition, several Congressional causes have begun, including the Congressional International Anti-Piracy caucus. Participants will receive an update on their collective activities, as well as insight into global IPR activities.

• Hon. Bob Goodlatte, U.S. House of Representatives
• Mr. Andrew Klavan, Author and Screenwriter
• Moderator: Mr. Patrick Ross, Executive Director, Copyright Alliance

12:35 p.m.
Address: The Impact of Innovation and Intellectual Property Law and Enforcement on U.S. Economic Growth

• Dr. Nam D. Pham, Managing Partner, NDP Consulting
• Introduction: Dr. Mark T. Esper, Executive Vice President, U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Global Intellectual Property Center

1:10 p.m.
Panel Discussion: Creative Development: Countries Building Creative Industries

This panel will address the importance of copyright law and other legal institutions to the development of creative industries. Commentators and governments are increasingly recognizing that movie making, music, and other creative businesses are an important source of economic development. However, these businesses depend on well-designed and enforced legal institutions such as copyright. This panel will consider how laws can best be reformed and enforced, nationally and globally, to promote the growth of the creative industries.

• Mr. Victor Tieku, CEO, Kampsite Music (Ghana)
• Mr. Stephen Siwek, Principal, Economists, Inc.
• Prof. Mark Schultz, Southern Illinois University School of Law
• Moderator: Mr. Tom Giovanetti, President, Institute for Policy Innovation

A complimentary lunch will be provided.

There is no cost to attend this event, but Federalist Society members can receive up to 3 credits of CLE for only $50 by clicking the Register button below.  All other registrants should RSVP for this event by contacting Erin Humiston at the Institute for Policy Innovation at 972-874-5139 or [email protected].