PTAB Conferences Provide Unique Exchange with Stakeholders

While the summer months are relatively quiet when it comes to marquee CLE events and bar organization gatherings, the Patent Trial & Appeal Board (PTAB) is providing a rare opportunity for stakeholders in late July.

On the heels of its successful programs in Alexandria, Denver and Dallas, the PTAB brings its day-long Judicial Conference to San Jose, CA on Thursday, July 26th and Dallas, TX on Tuesday, July 31st

The Conference is designed to be interactive to enable information sharing (in small workshop-like settings) between judges and practitioners. Attendees will interface with sitting PTAB judges to explore common trial issues and thought processes. At least 25 judges will be in attendance at each conference, including Chief Judge David Ruschke.

In the AM section of the program, judges will discuss best practices for written and oral advocacy, and then attendees can hone their skills through workshop exercises conducted at tables and facilitated by PTAB judges.

In the PM section of the program, attendees can share their opinions on hot topics such as patent eligible subject matter and motions to amend during small group discussions led by PTAB judges to facilitate candid feedback and information exchange.

Finally, local IP leaders will interview Chief Judge David Ruschke to gain a better understanding of his views on recent PTAB developments, such as the proposed change to claim construction, practices, trial practices impacted by the recent decision in SAS Institute, etc.

Having attended the Alexandria stop, I found the program innovative. It offers a rare opportunity to interact with PTAB judges, and to discuss real-world PTAB dilemmas. I strongly recommend it.

The conference is free and open to the public, and advance registration is not needed.  Please see the PTAB Judicial Conference website for more details.