Description:

Patent Strategy Pitfalls
Safeguard your innovation by avoiding the missteps that can cost you.

Patents are a cornerstone of protecting breakthrough technologies and building long‑term value. Yet too often, founders and researchers overlook critical details—missing filing deadlines, disclosing too much too soon, or failing to align IP protection with business goals. This session will help you anticipate and avoid common pitfalls, ensuring your patent strategy strengthens rather than undermines your venture.

You’ll learn:
· Timing Is Everything: Why premature disclosures or delayed filings can jeopardize patent rights.
· Global Considerations: How international differences in patent law affect your protection strategy.
· Ownership & Assignments: Ensuring your institution, company, or investors have clear rights to the IP.
· Strategic Alignment: How to match patent filings with commercialization plans and fundraising milestones.
· Common Mistakes to Avoid: Practical examples of errors that weaken patents or reduce their enforceability.

Perfect for founders, researchers, and startup team members, this session will demystify the patent process and equip you with the foresight to protect your innovations and maximize their impact.

About the Speakers

Jay Reilly
Partner, Foley Hoag LLP

Jay Reilly is a seasoned transactional and corporate advisor with deep experience serving clients across the life sciences and high-tech industries. He represents biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostic, and digital health companies—as well as universities and nonprofits—in complex strategic transactions, licensing and collaboration agreements, venture financing and mergers and acquisitions. His work spans both domestic and international markets.

Jay regularly advises C-suite executives, boards of directors, and general counsels on governance, fiduciary duties, risk mitigation, and enterprise-wide legal strategy. He frequently serves as a trusted senior advisor to leadership teams and as outside general counsel to companies with lean in-house legal departments.

Ben Vaughan, PhD
Associate & Registered Patent Attorney, Foley Hoag LLP

Dr. Benjamin Vaughan is a registered Patent Attorney with a Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry. His patent practice focuses on chemical and pharmaceutical inventions, and he has specialized knowledge related to industrial process chemistry and alternative energy technologies.