"A Price of Going Digital? Patent Challenges Facing Media Companies," Digital Media Event Series, Davis Wright Tremaine, New York, N.Y.

This panel explored the rise of patent infringement lawsuits directed at media companies, focusing in particular on lawsuits brought by non-practicing entities based on web and mobile challenges. Leading in-house and DWT attorneys discussed the types of patent suits media companies are most likely to confront, and practical strategies they have explored for dealing with such suits effectively.

The panel addressed the best practices companies can consider to reduce the risk of patent lawsuits and to respond to suits when they occur, as well as new procedures available for contesting the validity of patents before the US Patent and Trademark Office. The panel also discussed current legislative efforts in patent reform, and some of the special concerns raised by standard-essential patents.

The panel included Kenneth A. Richieri, General Counsel of The New York Times Company, which has taken a leading role in contesting patent suits by non-practicing entities, and Jason Albert, Assistant General Counsel for IP Policy and Strategy of Microsoft Corporation.

Panelists:

• Kenneth A. Richieri, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, The New York Times Company
• Jason Albert, Assistant General Counsel for IP Policy and Strategy, Microsoft Corporation
• Erica Wilson, Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine
• Eric S. Walters, Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine