American University Washington College of Law Hosts Seventh Annual Finnegan Lecture
Presentation to Discuss the Impact of the America Invents Act on Patent Law
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C., November 23, 2011 - David Kappos, under secretary of commerce for intellectual property and director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), will deliver the Seventh Annual Finnegan Distinguished Lecture on Intellectual Property at American University Washington College of Law on Nov. 30, 2011 at 6:00 p.m.
Mr. Kappos will present, “The America Invents Act: A Patent Law Game Changer in a 21st Century Global Economy.”
“We are pleased to have Under Secretary Kappos deliver the Annual Finnegan Distinguished Lecture on Intellectual Property at a time when significant and historic changes are being made to patent law in the U.S.,” said Michael Carroll, director of the law school’s Program on Information Justice and Intellectual Property (PIJIP).
In his current role, David Kappos advises the President, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Administration on intellectual property (IP) matters, and directs an office that provides incentives to encourage technological advancement while helping businesses protect their investments, promote their goods and services, and safeguard against deception in the marketplace. Before joining the USPTO, Mr. Kappos served as vice president and assistant general counsel for intellectual property at IBM where he managed worldwide IP operations.
Each fall, PIJIP partners with the law firm of Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP to sponsor the lecture which showcases the views of prominent intellectual leaders while addressing important issues concerning IP law and policy.
“Finnegan is delighted to support the Distinguished Lecture on Intellectual Property. Mr. Kappos’ participation this year is particularly timely with the enactment of the America Invents Act and the impending changes in the patent system,” stated Charles E. Van Horn, Finnegan senior counsel, American University Washington College of Law alumnus, and former USPTO deputy assistant commissioner.
Seventh Annual Finnegan Distinguished Lecture on Intellectual Property
Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011
5:00 p.m. Reception | 6:00 p.m. Lecture | 7:30 p.m. Dinner
American University Washington College of Law
4801 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC 20016
Room 603
More information is available on PIJIP’s website. Attendance at this event is limited; please register as soon as possible.
Media inquiries should be directed to Megan Smith, 202-274-4276.
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About American University Washington College of Law
In 1896, American University Washington College of Law became the first law school in the country founded by women. More than 100 years since its founding, this law school community is grounded in the values of equality, diversity, and intellectual rigor. The law school's nationally and internationally recognized programs (in clinical legal education, trial advocacy, international law, and intellectual property to name a few) and dedicated faculty provide its 1700 JD, LL.M., and SJD students with the critical skills and values to have an immediate impact as students and as graduates, in Washington, DC and around the world. For more information, visit wcl.american.edu. 
About Finnegan
With more than 375 intellectual property lawyers, Finnegan is one of the largest IP law firms in the world practicing all aspects of patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret law, including counseling, prosecution, licensing, and litigation. The firm also represents clients on IP issues related to international trade, portfolio management, the Internet, e-commerce, government contracts, antitrust, and unfair competition. For more information on the firm, please visit www.finnegan.com.