IEEE NoVA Chapter

presented by


ABSTRACT

The Internet has established a new regime by which companies and individuals gather information and conduct business. Within the last five years, companies such as Amazon.com, eBay and Yahoo! have changed the fundamentals of retailing and the manner in which information is disseminated to the public. In this fast paced world, intellectual property rights (including trademarks and patents) are playing an increasing role in the manner in which companies successfully operate and execute their "dot.com" strategies.

This lecture will address current topics relating to the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights on the Internet, including the following:

  • What type of things related to the Internet are patentable or can be protected through trademark law?
  • Are businesses susceptible to patent or trademark infringement on the Internet?
  • How can infringement take place over the Internet?
  • Who is ultimately liable for the infringement?
  • How can a company avoid infringement or limit liability if it conducts business on the Internet?

BIOGRAPHIES

The invited speakers are attorneys with the intellectual property law firm of Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, L.L.P. Mr. Gramenopoulos has an electrical engineering background and extensive experience in preparing and prosecuting computer and software related inventions. He also has experience in client counseling and developing patent licensing and enforcement strategies. Mr. Rettew's practice focuses on litigation primarily in trademark matters, but also in the areas of unfair competition and copyright law. Mr. Rettew is also actively involved in trademark prosecution, licensing, and client counseling. Additional information concerning the speakers is available at the firm's web-site.