TECHworking – The New Rules for Patents in the US
Please join the MIT Enterprise Forum of Dallas / Fort Worth for an evening of TECHworking, a networking event for technology entrepreneurs, businesses and supporters.
This month’s event will feature a brief oral introduction to the law by our featured guest. After that, visitors are free to mingle with the crowd and get their specific questions answered from the featured guests.
On September 16th 2011, a bill was signed into law that fundamentally changed the US patent system. Forbes Magazine calls this law “trouble for tech entrepreneurs”. The most important change this law caused was moving the US from a “first to invent” to a “first to file” system. (Forbes Article)
Small and start-up companies will now have to compete with the financial and legal strength of large and established multi-national companies when trying to protect their innovative and revolutionary designs.
What to know what this law means for your company? How about for your clients and investors?
Want more? First drink of the night is compliments of the Forum!
This month’s TECHworking event is at The Quarter Bar in Uptown Dallas. The Quarter is a cozy local hangout with a wonderful French Quarter ambiance. Join us in our reserved area or on the rooftop deck overlooking McKinney Avenue. This will be the perfect opportunity to meet fellow entrepreneurs, network with local businesses, and get involved with MITEF!
Featured Guests:
Kevin Afghani, founder Afghani Law Firm: Kevin has extensive experience in preparing and prosecuting patent applications in the United States and around the world. Kevin has developed or expanded the patent portfolios for numerous distinguished companies, including International Business Machines Corp (IBM), Kinetic Concepts, Inc., Embarq Holdings (now CenturyLink), Micro-Poise Measurement Systems, Halliburton, Independent Natural Resources, Inc., Brooks Instrument, Uniden, JMK, Schlumberger, and various start-up businesses.
Bob Robinson, Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary, BancTec, Inc.: BancTec is a privately held business equipment manufacturing, software and outsourcing company headquartered in Irving, Texas, with approximately 2000 employees worldwide. Responsible for delivery of all legal services and for management of the human resources function on a global basis. With over 16 years experience, Bob Robinson is currently responsible for management and delivery of all legal services for the multinational conglomerate, including: contract negotiation, formation and compliance; regulatory compliance; corporate governance, planning/managing Board activities/records; managing, directing and implementing all aspects of risk-management and leading a team of 6 legal professionals. He is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and The University of California-Berkley School of Law. Bob currently sits on the board of advisers for the MIT Enterprise Forum of Dallas / Fort Worth.
Time
Thursday, October 13, 2011
6:30 PM to 8:00 PM (CT)
Location:
The Quarter Bar
3301 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX, 75204
Second Floor, inside and behind second bar
Dallas, TX 75204
(map)
Cost: $10 Members and General Public
Parking
Free valet across the street (until 8pm)
Street parking available
DART (link) and Trolley accessible (link)
