Delrahim confirmed as keynote speaker at IAM's annual patent licensing event in September

Makan Delrahim, the assistant attorney general for the Antitrust Division of the US Department of Justice, has been comfirmed as the keynote speaker at Patent Licensing 2018, IAM's annual event focusing on the key issues affecting licensees and licensors, and their dealmaking strategies, in the US and beyond. 

Since he was confirmed last September, Delrahim, who is a registered patent attorney, has taken a particularly close interest in the application of antitrust laws to the licensing of standard essential patents. In a series of speeches he has indicated a sharp turn away from the previous administration, insisting that the concept of patent hold out, which involves licensees refusing to take a patent licence, is a bigger problem than hold up, whereby patent owners can stymie the development of a technology through unreasonable licensing demands. 

His pronouncements have not surprisingly proven popular with many SEP owners but have also caused parts of the tech industry and academics to reiterate their belief that hold up remains the most serious problem in the licensing market. 

This divide has big consequences for both licensors and licensees and means that Delrahim’s appearance at this year’s Patent Licensing is not to be missed for anyone actively engaged in the industry.

Boasting a stellar line-up of speakers, Patent Licensing 2018 will be taking place at the Golden Gate Club in San Francisco on 18th September. You can view the full programme and register here – quote discount code* ONLINE100 to save $100 off your place or contact [email protected] to discuss group rates.     

We look forward to welcoming you to San Francisco in September!