Trade Secrets: an Essential Element of Your Intellectual Property Strategy

DPAC Presents: "Trade Secrets: an Essential Element of Your Intellectual Property Strategy" by Elman Law

Companies generally have records of their intellectual property (“IP”) in the categories of patent, trademark, and copyright.  But most overlook the value of their data that would qualify for protection as trade secrets.  Because trade secrets don’t get registered with a government agency, they’re the red-headed stepchild in the IP family.  Yet when your company assesses and documents its trade secrets, you enhance their protection against misappropriation.  Gerry Elman and Josh Waterston will show you a roadmap for making this a part of your comprehensive data protection strategy.  They’ll tell you how to get the benefit of trade secret protection not only under longstanding local state law but also under a comparatively new federal statute - the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016.

Speakers

Gerry J. Elman

Gerry’s motto is “Strategic Lawyering – Cultivating Innovation.” He helps clients implement their business strategy with the tools of intellectual property (patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets). He also advises how to fulfill privacy and security obligations, including those that emerge with big data generated from the multitudes of sensors in smart fabrics and other elements of the Internet of Things (IoT). Gerry co-hosts a Meetup focused on this subject.

 With a background in chemistry and computers, Gerry was one of the first attorneys ever to work with online information technology, and he has long been an evangelist for cybersecurity. He has served in government Justice Departments at both state and federal levels.  A licensed patent attorney, he has taught M.B.A. courses in intellectual property management via the University of Phoenix online campus.

Joshua D. Waterston

At Elman Technology Law, Joshua Waterston guides clients through the quickly-changing Internet business legal landscape, especially privacy and security requirements. He represents clients in copyright, trademark, and trade secret matters, and advises them on strategic business deals and technology-related agreements.  He has given numerous presentations on cybersecurity and intellectual property matters to lawyers, judges, CEOs, and technology professionals.  When disputes arise, he helps resolve them through discussion, mediation, and formal arbitration proceedings, as well as by litigation in court and at administrative agencies.

Prior to his legal career, Josh served as a computer consultant and has built and rebuilt more computers than he can count (a hobby that he now shares with his son).  He enjoys staying current with developments in business, technology, and the law, and teaching others how to use information technology (IT) to their advantage

Company Descriptions

Elman Technology Law, P.C.

Elman Technology Law, P.C., a boutique law firm in Media, PA, provides trusted advice and representation in intellectual property and Internet-related business matters. With extensive experience in patent, trademark and other aspects of the law related to technology and business, we offer the educated guidance that enhances our clients’ likelihood of developing their innovations from concept stage through profitable realization in the marketplace. As a pioneer in cyberlaw, we aid clients in conducting all sorts of business via the Internet.