Sessions at SXSW Interactive 2012 of type Panel about Intellectual Property and Patents

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Tuesday 13th March 2012

• Software Patents: Great, Dangerous or Pointless?

  by Julie Samuels, Laura Sydell and Ruben Rodrigues

  Software patents have a mixed reputation. They make some millions, are labeled a scourge by others, and are generally just overlooked or misunderstood by the general public. In the end, it's an open question whether they drive innovation or hamper it.The panel will discuss patent issues as relating to startups and emerging technologies. Topics covered include: Whether acquiring patents makes sense, issues about building on third-party platforms, the growth of patent litigation, and the relationship between patents and innovation; relying on real-world examples when possible.Julie Samuels of EFF will discuss an emerging trend of suing startups over patents. Ruben Rodrigues of Foley & Lardner LLP will discuss when startups might consider patents, when not to, and different perspectives on patents and innovation. Having reported on "patent trolls" for NPR, Laura Sydell will discuss her impressions of the patent system and its effect on innovation.

  • Intellectual Property
  • Patents
  • Software Patents

  At 11:00am to 12:00pm, Tuesday 13th March

  In Salon C, Hilton Austin Downtown

  Coverage audio clip