CONTACT
Laurie McHenry
(608) 466-6131
info@slwta.org
[Beloit, WI / Rockford, IL] – The Stateline World Trade Association (SLWTA) February meeting will feature a presentation on upcoming changes to U.S. patent law. These changes, which take effect in March of 2013, impact key parts of the patent process and amend some long-standing U.S. practices. This law introduces a transition from the traditional U.S. first to invent system to a first inventor to file system which will more closely synchronize the U.S. patent system with much of the rest of the world.
“A solid understanding of patent law is critical for anyone doing business in the global marketplace. These changes will impact the way individuals and companies obtain patent protection for their ideas and products,” stated SLWTA President Amy Loudenbeck.
“The new law can influence not only product-development strategies, but other business functions as well. Corporate officers and key personnel involved in R&D, sales, and marketing should plan to attend this important update,” stated SLWTA board member and attorney Mike Delany.
The evening’s speaker will be patent attorney Jeffery Makeever, a managing partner of the Rockford office of the law firm of Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren S.C. and chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property practice.
The event will be held on Thursday, February 28, 2013, at the Butterfly Club, at 5246 E County Road X in Beloit, WI. Networking begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the program at 6:15 p.m. The event is open to the public. Cost is $25 for SLWTA members and $35 for non-members. Please RSVP in advance by February 26th to (608) 466-6131 or info@slwta.org.
About SLWTA – Active since 1987, the SLWTA is a local, private-sector, non-profit organization which promotes an understanding of the international marketplace and its opportunities for Stateline businesses. SLWTA’s monthly dinner seminars offer educational, trade-related speakers and presentations, as well as networking opportunities, from September through April. For more information, please visit http://www.slwta.org.
