IP 101: Myths of the NDA and other Legal Facts and Fictions

Per our members request to get a speaker who is experienced with Intellectual Property Law, we will have one of the most unique technology and IP attorneys in Los Angeles (to give you an idea, he was counsel to the original Peter Norton Computing, is a Caltech grad, taught computer science at UCLA, has a PhD in mathematics, and was chief Editor of the State Bar’s IP journal).

Topic: IP 101: Myths of the NDA and other Legal Facts and Fictions

To some techies non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) "are useless -- you can't enforce them." Others warn "you're dead without them." Because such extreme views reveal the danger of passion over being informed, we'll look at the terrain in between: when, where and how an NDA can be a valuable asset (even without a hefty legal bill). Likewise other IP and confidentiality fictions, distinctions, tips and traps will be highlighted to better illuminate technology's IP/legal turf.

About our speaker: Michael M. Krieger, J.D, Ph.D.

UCLA / Willenken Wilson Loh & Delgado

Michael Krieger has practiced high technology business and intellectual property law for more than 20 years, focusing on securing, expanding and monetizing clients' key IP assets to help grow their businesses. To this end he encourages and assists clients in taking preventive steps not only by using patents, copyrights and trademarks, but also via well-tailored contracts and due diligence on their potential partners, with resort to litigation when the only effective option. His clients have ranged from start- ups and non-profit organizations to industry leaders, as well as the United Nations and international initiatives. He also serves as an outside expert in technology litigation, particularly where IP, contract , and technology issues intertwine (e.g.,suits over faulty system installations, or about software ownership) .

With degrees in mathematics (B.S., Caltech; Ph.D., UCLA) and law (UCLA), he spent 15 years on the MIT Mathematics and UCLA Computer Science faculties and as a Fulbright Scholar prior to practicing law. This background catalyzed his involvement in key areas as they emerged, including the Internet itself — born “Arpanet” in UCLA’s Computer Science Department, public key encryption (1978), open source software (2000), and Internet governance (as personal advisor to Internet pioneer Jon Postel, 1998).

Since the dotcom era Michael has served on the Executive Board of the Intellectual Property Section of the California Bar, was Chief-in-Editor of its journal "New Matter," and long time chair of the Section's Technology, Internet and Privacy Interest Group.. He serves on several start-up and non-profit boards including the Caltech Entrepreneurs Forum and the Southern California Conference on Undergraduate Research. His writings range from contract guides to reportage of Internet developments. In 1997 he rejoined the faculty to lead a seminar in entrepreneurial law and business issues for UCLA's Computer Science Department graduate program. He is Of Counsel to the Los Angeles trial/litigation boutique Willenken Wilson Loh & Delgado llp. Contacts: mkrieger239@earthlink.net and 310-428-5208.

Our Venue: Cross Campus is located at 820 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401. Closest public parking is the Santa Monica Public Library on 7th & Santa Monica. Folks can also use ParkMe: Find parking with ParkMe App.