Via Licensing to Chair Patent Pools Workshop at the Licensing Executives Society Winter Meeting

Via Licensing Corporation announced today that it will chair an interactive workshop entitled “Patent Pools: Still Relevant After All These Years” at the winter meeting of the Licensing Executives Society (LES). The workshop is scheduled for February 27 at 8:30 a.m. at the Westin Riverwalk hotel in San Antonio, Texas.

Via representatives Torey Bruno, Director of Business Development, and Jason Johnson, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, will discuss the merits and impact of cooperative license agreements (also known as “patent pools”) and business models. Presenters include renowned intellectual property attorney Robert Sachs of Fenwick and West, and Edward Rashba, Director of New Business Ventures of the IEEE Standards Association.

“The intellectual property landscape is continually changing and we look forward to a dynamic discussion on key events and trends shaping the industry,” said Jason Johnson. “This workshop offers the opportunity to hear a unique perspective on recent news and precedent-setting court cases from our expert presenters and learn directly from Edward Rashba about the IEEE Standards Associations’ efforts to promote patent pools within the industry.”

LES members and other industry professionals are encouraged to visit http://www.usa-canada.les.org/meetings/2009winter/ for more information and to register for this event.

Workshop Session Abstract

Given the complexities of IP licensing, the increasing rate of infringement litigation, the strong desire to hold defensive patent positions, are patent pools still relevant? In the hypercompetitive world of technology development, is it really possible for competitors to get together, without running afoul of antitrust concerns? When does it make sense to form a pool and what are some of the drawbacks? This session is intended to provide an in-depth look at the inner workings of patent pools and explore their relevancy to IP landscape. With yet unsettled case-law wending its way through the court system, the changing perceptions about IP, licensing and its protection, patent pools are unique vehicles that are not well understood among licensing professionals. This workshop also seeks to explore why certain licensors are drawn to pools while others rarely consider them, and to provide guidance on patent pooling.

About Via Licensing Corporation

Via Licensing Corporation develops and administers patent licensing programs on behalf of innovative technology companies and for the convenience of licensees. Via Licensing Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE:DLB) and benefits from the expertise, infrastructure, and strategic business relationships that Dolby has developed in more than 35 years of licensing into the consumer electronics and personal computing markets. Via Licensing is involved in the development and operation of licensing programs for both mandated and de facto or emerging standards. For more information about Via Licensing Corporation, please visit www.vialicensing.com.

Dolby Laboratories (NYSE:DLB) is the global leader in technologies that are essential elements in the best entertainment experiences. Founded in 1965 and best known for high-quality audio and surround sound, Dolby creates innovations that enrich entertainment at the movies, at home, or on the go. Visit www.dolby.com for more information.

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