What Retailers Need to Know about Protecting Their Intellectual Property

This seminar provides in-house counsel with an overview of how to navigate the most pressing intellectual property concerns for the retail industry, from managing your brand portfolio to patent trolls, and everything in between.

With regard to patent trolls, Edward Maluf and Brian Michaelis of Seyfarth Shaw LLP discuss how to distinguish a genuine threat from an expensive nuisance, how to respond (or not!) if you get a licensing letter, and what strategic considerations come into play if you get sued. They also offer their perspective on the customer suit exception.

In addition, Mr. Maluf and Mr. Michaelis will discuss managing your trademark portfolio, including house brands designed and manufactured by suppliers and vendors, and provide guidance on how to determine if federal trademark registration is worthwhile in each situation.

They cover issues relating to false advertising claims, and examine matters relating to trade dress where a consumer identifies the retailer by referring only to a package, container or floor layout. 

Last but not least, Mr. Maluf and Mr. Michaelis offer direction on indemnity issues, and the pros and cons of insurance for IP infringement insurance.

Learning Objectives: 

I.    Understand Patent Trolls in the context of the retail industry 

II.   Recognize customer suit exceptions 

III.  Manage your trademark assets and other critical matters 

IV.  Discuss indemnity 

V.   Summarize IP infringement insurance