“Intellectual Property Strategy”:
Helping Start-ups Get Funded and Beyond

Guest Speaker: Jasemine C. Chambers, Ph.D., J.D.

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C., Washington, D.C., 20006-3817, USA

Date:	December 11, 2013 (Wednesday)
Time:	1:00 – 2:00 pm (Sandwiches and drinks will be provided)
Venue:	Centennial Campus, Central Podium Levels CPD-2.58

Abstract

In today’s world of start-ups, it’s often a matter of life or death to secure substantial venture capital. In recent years, however, obtaining venture capital investment has becoming challenging. Thus, more than ever, it’s essential for a start-up company to know how to attract investors.

For most early-stage companies, Intellectual Property (“IP”) is their most valuable asset. An IP portfolio usually includes a mix of trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and patents. Of these, patents are generally the biggest drivers of value for an early-stage company. Thus, focusing on securing, maintaining, and expanding a company’s IP portfolio can substantially increase the chances of a company’s success.

Three main factors examined by investors when deciding to fund a company are: 1) the potential profitability of the company’s product(s); 2) the breath of the IP portfolio covering the product; and 3) freedom to operate. Moreover, a strong IP portfolio is critical for later stage deals, including partnering, sale of the company, or an initial public offering. Deals are often driven in part by the strength of a company’s IP protection of its product(s). Helping new companies to strategically develop an IP portfolio and to understand the existing IP landscape can vastly improve the chances of attracting venture capital and completing remunerative deals.

About the Speaker

Jasemine Choy Chambers is Of Counsel in the Washington, D.C., office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. She has expertise in both domestic and international intellectual property systems, laws, and policies, as well as two decades of experience in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) practice and procedures. Jasemine’s practice focuses on various aspects of intellectual property and innovation, including strategic counseling, patent prosecution, opinions, and technology licensing for clients in the life science and pharmaceutical industries.

Prior to joining the firm, Jasemine was the deputy administrator in the Office of Policy and External Affairs at the USPTO. In this role, she provided policy advice to the director of the USPTO on matters relating to IP protection and enforcement and IP-related trade issues, including proposed legislation and international activities, as well as in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the 100-member, $35 million-budget organization that comprised the Policy Division, the Office of Governmental Affairs, the Global IP Academy, the IP Attaché Program, and the Office of the Chief Economist. She also served as a standing member of the USPTO’s Policy Council and Management Council.

Registration

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for alumni, please follow this link instead
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All are welcome!
Sandwiches and drinks will be provided.

Co-organized by

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