I enjoyed attending the recent NanoBusiness Commercialization Association Conference in Boston on September 26-27.
We provided a panel discussion on patent reform which provided spirited questions and comments. For example, concern was expressed from the audience that large companies would use new post-grant review processes to hamper the progress of small companies with new patents. We also stressed that faster filing and more active use of provisionals may be needed with a first-to-file system. However, such increased activity should not detract the quality of filings if possible. Provisional filings, where possible, should be high quality applications where the points of novelty have been examined in claims, and an enabling disclosure drafted. One additional point of discussion was whether the greater clarity which comes from eliminating interferences is good.
Other good topics in presentations included the nanosolar sector, updates in the IPO and exit strategies, impact of the Solyndra situation, and meeting with government officials active in NNI management and guidance.