(157c) Clearing the Way: Using Post-Grant Proceedings to Invalidate Patents Blocking Your Freedom to Operate

Developing and marketing innovative products and processes is increasingly a capital-intensive undertaking with many technical challenges. More than ever, companies must ensure they have freedom to operate by analyzing whether any competitor’s patents stand in the way and then finding ways to address such patents through validity challenges or licensing. This presentation will explore options in both the U.S. and Europe for challenging patents that could block your company’s ability to bring technology to market. Specifically, the speakers will discuss post-grant proceedings both in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the European Patent Office that are powerful tools for invalidating patents, and also how companies can coordinate their U.S. and European challenges to achieve the best results.