The College of Law’s New York State Science and Technology Law Center (NYSSTLC) has a leading role at the NEXT Conference and Tech Showcase, taking place on Nov. 17 at the Sheraton Syracuse University. NYSSTLC is both a conference co-sponsor and organizer of the “Legal Issues in Technology Commercialization” workshop track. In addition, professors Shubha Ghosh and Jack Rudnick will moderate panels that will feature several College of Law alumni.
Now in its fourth edition, NEXT focuses on innovations in technology, manufacturing and biotechnology and brings together fast-track companies, managers, researchers, medical professionals, investors, attorneys and entrepreneurs to meet and learn from each other and from international thought leaders and industry experts. Along with NYSSTLC, the conference is sponsored by the Central New York Biotech Accelerator, Center for Advanced Systems and Engineering (CASE) at Syracuse University and CNY Technology Development Organization (TDO).
The dynamic, full-day program features panels on “Biotech Innovation” and “Manufacturing Excellence,” along with the NYSSTLC-organized track on “Legal Issues in Technology Commercialization.” NYSSTLC Director Rudnick will moderate the panel “Protecting IP: Timing, Validity Challenges, International Decisions,” addressing patent filing strategy, international filings, trade secret protection and post-grant review options. Other panelists are John Boger L’95 of Heslin & Rothenberg; George McGuire L’96 of Bond, Schoeneck and King; and Renato Smith of Barclay Damon.
“Papering Up: Agreements in Tech Commercialization” will be moderated by Ghosh, Crandall Melvin Professor of Law. It will discuss transferring or sharing rights to intellectual property (IP) and licenses and other documents key to successful collaborations. Panelists are Judy Albers of SUNY-Geneseo; Bill Bond of the Rochester Institute of Technology; Felix Litvinsky of the Cornell Blackstone LaunchPad; and Steve Wood G’06 L’06 of the SUNY Research Foundation.
Additionally, Syracuse University’s Marcie Sonneborn—Professor of Practice at the School of Information Studies (iSchool)—will be a panelist on “Finding the Funds: New Venture Assistance for Innovation and Capitalization,” an NYSSTLC-sponsored workshop investigating how entrepreneurs can avoid the pitfalls of financing their ventures, which fund sources have the best long-run perspectives and the evolution of different financing structures. Joining Sonneborn in this workshop are Rami Katz of Excell Partners; Nasir Ali of Upstate Venture Connect; and Clayton Besch of New York State Innovation Venture Capital Fund.
The conference also brings to Syracuse two world-class keynote speakers: artificial intelligence and robotics guru Hod Lipson and internationally renowned neuroscientist and medical intelligence expert Dave Warner. Parallel to the conference, a Technology Showcase will feature breakthrough science from university and industry research teams and displays from businesses developing cutting-edge products, giving attendees a unique first-hand look at “NEXT generation” opportunities, tools and discoveries.
To learn more about the event and to register, click here.
