From February 26 to March 1st, 2014
Hilton Barbados Resort, Bridgetown, Barbados

• The professional program will allow attendees to experience an IP Master Class on timely and cutting-edge topics.
• Speakers from the United States, U.K. and Canada will engage in lively panels.
• Preferred FICPI rates are available 7 days before and after the meeting. Attendees must book their own accommodation and mention “FICPI”.
• Registration does not require FICPI membership. Attendees from all countries are welcome.
• Spectacular social events will provide numerous networking opportunities.

Fulll details and how to register may be found by downloading the brochure, available here.

MISSION CRITICAL : WHEN AND HOW TO CHALLENGE THIRD PARTY PATENT APPLICATIONS IN EUROPE, CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES
Legislative changes and new case law have opened never before available possibilities and introduced new pitfalls. Speakers will provide insightful comments and advice on filing prior art observations, protests and re-examination in Canada, inter partes review in the US, pre-grant observations in the UK and oppositions in EP applications.

CAN PATENT DRAFTING STYLE AFFECT RIGHTS?
Yes it can. Important differentiations in specification/claim drafting styles will be compared between Canada, the US, and the UK. Practical tips will be shared.

INTERNATIONAL DESIGN REGISTRATION CONSIDERATIONS: KNOW YOUR LIMITS.
Let our panelists review the unique aspects of Designs Practice in Canada, the US, the UK and Europe including participation/nonparticipation in the Hague Agreement.

DOUBLE PATENTING – THE SILENT KILLER…
Double-patenting is the silent killer of issued patents. Even if an Examiner does not raise an objection during prosecution, double-patenting can be a validity killer in many jurisdictions. Case in point: in St. Jude Medical, Inc. v. Access Closure, Inc., the Federal Circuit found that one of St. Jude’s patents was invalid under the doctrine of obviousness-type double patenting. Panelists will review strategies to avoid or cure (safe-harbour) double-patenting in Canada, the US, the UK and Europe and will make recommendations if such an attack is raised during litigation.

IS THE IP MARKET GROWING? WHICH AREAS WILL SOON UNDERGO RAPID EXPANSION?
After all, those in private practice are interested in positioning their firms for growth areas. Panelists will review and comment the state of the IP Business in the world and in particular in Canada, the US and the UK. Emerging trends and opportunities will be discussed. Get ready for charts.

MANAGEMENT OF TRADEMARK DEPARTMENTS – TOP TEN STRATEGIES
Learn about the Top Ten Strategies for client maintenance and growth. In an increasingly competitive marketplace, trademark departments must deliver excellent value and service. Panelists will review their top ten lists of activities to retain and grow business.