NSBA Signs On as Supporter of Upcoming Forum on Patent Law

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --– NSBA this week signed on as a supporter of the upcoming Forum on the Overhaul of U.S. Patent Law on Monday, August 29, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Washington, D.C. The Forum also is being sponsored by the Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia and Baltimore Sections of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

The Forum will offer small-business owners, entrepreneurs, technical professionals and inventors the opportunity to hear from experienced entrepreneurs, investors and experts in the patent system including Paul Michel, Chief Judge (retired) of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, Dr. Pinchus Laufer from the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office and other high-level speakers.

As major changes in U.S. patent law are adopted, a radical shift is taking place away from a marketplace infused with small innovators and toward one in which large, multinational corporations own a growing share of U.S. patents. Speakers at this Forum will address these trends and their effects on large and small firm patenting, investments in new inventions and job creation.

"We are pleased to support the Forum, as it will enable our members to ask questions, evaluate and plan for the new challenges, pitfalls and adverse effects of the new patent law on small businesses," said NSBA Chair for Economic Development Les Bowen.

The panel of speakers also will address regulatory changes, the prospects of U.S. Patent Office access to its user fees, and its ability to handle the increasing workload.  The Forum will be moderated by Chris Katopis, Former USPTO Director of Congressional Relations, and attendees will have ample time for question and answer with the panel.

This event is a must for professionals involved in the creation, protection, use, funding, and acquisition of intellectual property interested in learning about the impending changes to the U.S. patent system, and its impact on innovation activities and expected shifts in their careers and job prospects.  The event will be webcast live.

There is no cost to attend this forum – please click here to register today.

For more details, please click here.

Since 1937, NSBA has advocated on behalf of America's entrepreneurs. A staunchly nonpartisan organization, NSBA reaches more than 150,000 small businesses nationwide and is proud to be the nation's first small-business advocacy organization. For more information, please visit www.nsba.biz.

SOURCE National Small Business Association