ABA Intellectual Property Law Conference in Nation's Capital

Patent Reform, Virtual Worlds and Orphan Works Among Hot Topics at ABA Intellectual Property Law Conference in Nation's Capital

CHICAGO, March 27, 2009 – Top practitioners in intellectual property will discuss critical legal developments when they meet for the American Bar Association Section of Intellectual Property Law's 24th Annual Intellectual Property Law Conference, April 1 - 4 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Va.

Recognized for its international scope, the conference presents 24 expert-led programs across two-and-a-half days. Panels bring together judges, government officials, in-house counsel, academics and private practitioners. Key speakers at this year's conference include Judge Lynne G. Beresford, Judge Michael R. Fleming, Sherry M. Knowles, Nancy Lambert, Judge Paul R. Michel, Judge S. Jay Plager, Judge Randall R. Rader and John Whelan.

Conference highlights include the following, to which all reporters are invited to attend:

April 1 – 5 p.m. "Avatars at the Bar: Welcome Reception" hosted by the Young Lawyers Committee of the section Attendees will compete on the Wii® entertainment system and peer into the virtual environment for live entertainment. A simultaneous reception in Second Life® will join expert hosts and avatars from the Second Life Bar Association and the Virtual Intellectual Property Organization.