Intellectual Property for 
Software Personnel and Businesses

 

Abstract

This presentation includes patents, trade secrets and copyrights in a manner which prevents forfeiture of computer related inventions, as well as research and financial resources. Initially we address why investments in patents is mandatory in many business situations. We will also discuss patent basics sufficiently to understand invention rights in the workplace, as well as awareness of statutory deadlines for obtaining patent protection.  We will then review under what circumstances trade secrets can supplement software patents. In particular, we will explore the Illinois trade secret statute and why this law provides important remedies for software owners and developers. Our last topic addresses copyright basics sufficiently for an understanding of ownership and authorship of software copyrights. We will conclude with copyright duration, fair use, and derivative works. After attending this presentation, we hope that software personnel and businesses can better avoid intellectual property forfeitures and litigation in a cost-effective manner.

Bio of the Speaker

Ms. Naumann received her patent certification from the United States Patent & Trademark Office in 1989. She has practiced intellectual property law continuously for fifteen years, and she established her intellectual property practice in 1996. She is licensed to practice in the State of Illinois, the U. S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.  In addition, she is a member of the Illinois State bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association where she served as Chairman of the Science, Technology and Law Committee. Ms. Naumann’s practice includes individual entrepreneurs and start-up companies, as well as small and medium sized businesses. Her issued patents include a broad range of technologies including: razor handles, modified chess strategies, agricultural methods, pneumatically driven trench shoring devices, electromechanical locks, self-adjusting containers, laminar flow nozzles, portable self-assembled exercise devices, mechanical bag holder and shelving. When necessary she has filed successful patent application appeals in the Patent & Trademark Office on behalf of clients.   Ms. Naumann also has obtained trademarks, copyrights and design patents on behalf of artists, writers and companies.  In addition to obtaining intellectual property protection through government agencies, Ms. Naumann advises and drafts documents relating to ownership, shop rights, work for hire, transfers of rights, licenses, permissions, rescission, consents, non-disclosure agreements, releases, trade secrets, proprietary information and web sites.  Previously she received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Chicago and a Master of Science Degree from the University of Illinois. Subsequently Ms. Naumann received her Juris Doctor degree from IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law with high honors and as a published member of the Law Review. She has also published extensively in technical and legal journals, as well as on behalf of the Illinois State Legislature.

 

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