IP Master Class: Effective Strategies for Business Method Patents in the Insurance and Financial Services Industries

October 11, 2005

This presentation will address business method patents in the insurance industry, in particular, and in the financial services industry, in general.  This session is also aimed at providing insights to anyone grappling with business method patents in other industries. Product life cycles in the insurance and financial services industries will be discussed, because timing is at the essence of value, enforceability, and effective patent strategy.  Specific examples of patents and published patent applications will be used to teach general propositions.  The speakers will offer suggestions for dealing with the inventor, incorporating "technological art," and maintaining a hands-on approach with the patent office. Further, discussions will include prevailing prejudices, attitudes, and business approaches in these industries in which protecting IP is a new philosophy.