This week on The Tech Law Hangout, Jordan Becker is joined by Professor Michael Runnels to discuss space law. They discuss the foundations of space law, including the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, the Liability Convention of 1971, the Registration Convention of 1975 and the Artemis Accords of 2020. Jordan also explains the US Patents in Space Act of 1990. Michael emphasizes the need for environmental regulations in low Earth orbit and discusses his model legislation to address issues such as orbital debris and space traffic management, arguing that responsible commercialization of outer space is crucial for the sustainability of the space industry.

“It is for the interest and the benefit of all humankind to ensure that our use of space is responsible and not making it difficult for any U.S. company, U.S. citizen, national or foreign company to operate in this plane.” – Michael Runnels, Associate Professor of Business Law, California State University, Los Angeles

This week on the Tech Law Hangout, host Jordan Becker is joined by John Gray, firmwide co-chair of Perkins Coie’s Trade Secret practice and vice chair of its Trademark, Copyright, Advertising & Internet practice, to discuss the importance of trade secret protection in the technology industry. They highlight the differences between trade secrets and patents, outlining the pros and cons of each. John covers the types of trade secrets technology companies typically possess, the challenges of identifying and protecting trade secrets, and measures companies can implement. Additionally, John discusses various aspects of trade secret protection, such as labeling, ways trade secrets can be lost, and recent legal developments. Emphasizing the significance of safeguarding trade secrets, he offers practical advice for companies.

This week on the Tech Law Hangout, host Jordan Becker is joined by Gwilym Roberts, a prominent patent attorney from Kilburn & Strode's London office. Gwilym, who specializes in UK and European patent law, advises a diverse clientele on IP audit and capture, filing strategies, and portfolio management. Gwilym discusses his extensive experience before the UK Patent Office and the European Patent Office. He highlights recent developments like the Unitary Patent Court (UPC) and its impact on patent enforcement across Europe. Additionally, Gwilym and Jordan explore the differences between UK and European patent systems, offering valuable insights into navigating these complex legal landscapes.

This week on the Tech Law Hangout, host Jordan Becker discusses foreign patent protection including factors one should consider in deciding which inventions are worth pursuing foreign patent protection for, and where to pursue foreign patent protection highlighting the country-specific nature of patent rights.  Jordan shares the basics of different mechanisms available for foreign patent filing including direct filing, the Patent Cooperation Treaty, and the European Patent Convention.  He also discusses the importance of understanding the differences between countries’ patent laws and requirements and other foreign intellectual property rights related to patents, such as utility models. 

“It’s important to understand that patents are country-specific.  This means you need to apply for a patent in each country in which you want protection.” – Jordan Becker

In the Tech Law Hangout this week, host Jordan Becker welcomes Meredith Halama to discuss privacy laws and regulations in the United States and their impact on technology companies. Meredith discusses the evolving nature of privacy laws, including recent changes in U.S. federal laws. She also highlights the growing trend toward more comprehensive regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and the need for a broader privacy law to address issues outside of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). 

“Companies should invest in privacy basics and build on that as they expand.” — Meredith Halama

On this episode of the Tech Law Hangout, host Jordan Becker is joined by Shawn Flynn, Principal of Global Capital Markets Inc. to share how he moved from founding a business in China to his involvement in the startup ecosystem in the US through volunteering with an angel-investment group.  Jordan and Shawn discuss the role of an investment banker, including the differences between M&A transactions and capital markets financing. They also discuss some of the most important advantages of having an investment banker, including sector expertise, company valuation methodology, and making the transaction as streamlined and profitable as possible.

On this episode of The Tech Law Hangout, host Jordan Becker welcomes Perkins Coie Beijing Office Managing Partner Scott Palmer to share more about changes in intellectual property enforcement in China and his experience working in intellectual property practice in China.  Scott and Jordan dig into China’s IP enforcement and litigation systems, including the significant improvements in the legal system over the past three decades and the sophisticated laws and enforcement mechanisms.  

“From the trajectory I’ve seen in terms of black letter law and the improvement of the enforcement mechanisms and litigation in China, the future looks optimistic.” – Scott Palmer

On this episode of The Tech Law Hangout, host Jordan Becker explores the growing importance of design patents as an overlooked tool for technology companies. He shares the unique features and advantages, including quicker and easier grant processes, lower costs, and ease of infringement detection. He also compares design patents to other forms of intellectual property and discuss key factors to consider when evaluating their commercial value. 

"Design patents protect the ornamental or aesthetic aspects of a product. They do not protect the functionality. They are a complementary form of protection alongside utility patents, copyright, trademark, and trade dress protection." - Jordan Becker

On this episode of The Tech Law Hangout, host Jordan Becker welcomes Perkins Coie Partner Eric Evans to discuss how nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) can be used to protect confidential information. Discover how NDAs provide safeguards, how to avoid common pitfalls, and the intricacies of labeling potential trade secrets. Jordan and Eric also examine the truth about the imperfections and costs of using NDAs to protect trade secrets in the tech industry. 

“Well, the key thing to know about NDAs is that having just a single standard NDA can actually get incredibly complicated.” - Eric Evans

On this episode of The Tech Law Hangout, host Jordan Becker discusses how to align intellectual property (IP) strategy with company business strategy. He shares nine factors to consider during this process, including geography and relevant market players, as well as team members individual strengths, weaknesses, and personalities.