Low Patent Allowance Hurts Innovation: Experts

Knobbe Martens' San Diego office recently hosted a media roundtable discussion featuring representatives from some of San Diego's top biotechnology, engineering and venture capitol companies. The focus of the discussion was how recent judicial action and changes in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office with regard to lower patent allowance rates, are affecting innovation in the region.

Panelists included Jeffery Birchak, vice president of intellectual property for Fallbrook Technologies, Inc., Kim Kamdar, principal with Domain Associates, LLC., Harry Leonhardt, chief intellectual property counsel for Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Anthony McKinney, chief business officer of Orexigen Therapeutics. Knobbe Marten's Joseph Mallon moderated the discussion which included media representatives Erin Coe, reporter, IP Law360, Pat Broderick, legal writer, Los Angeles Daily Journal and Doug Sherwin, legal reporter, The Daily Transcript.