April 08, 2008

Intellectual property seminar set for April 23

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — "Changes and Challenges to U.S. Patent Law and How Intellectual Property is Managed in a Public University" is a seminar coming to Southern Illinois University Carbondale's Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center April 23.

The seminar is a component of the innovation and entrepreneurship outreach activities for SIUC this year. Organizers say it's a good opportunity for anyone considering seeking intellectual property protection, commercialization or licensing. Co-sponsors are the SIU School of Medicine, the Southern Illinois Research Park, the Office of Research Development and Administration at SIUC and the SIUC Small Business Incubator.

Speakers include Kyle Harfst, director of the SIUC Small Business Incubator and interim executive director of the Southern Illinois Research Park, both located at 150 E. Pleasant Hill Road in Carbondale. Jeff Myers, senior technology transfer specialist in the SIUC Office of Research Development and Administration, and Robert Patino, intellectual property attorney and director of technology transfer at the SIU School of Medicine, also will speak.

The seminar runs from 11:45 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the center, located at 150 E. Pleasant Hill Road in Carbondale. It's free but seating is limited so early registration is encouraged. To register, call Brenda at 618/453-4556 or e-mail bcooley@siu.edu. The first 40 to sign up get a free box lunch served starting at 11:30 a.m.

Attorneys are eligible for one hour of Continuing Legal Education. They should indicate they are attorneys and provide their Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission number when registering.