Speaker: Ms. Laura S. Huffman, Intellectual Property Practice Attorney

Seminar Topic: Intellectual Property: The Economic Engine of Knowledge

Abstract of Talk:
Intellectual property is the backbone of the world economy. It plays a role in everyone’s life. It is particularly important for engineers, whether you are in research and development, an entrepreneur, a business manager, or any other technology career. We will discuss the various types of intellectual property (patents, trade secrets, copyrights, and trademarks) including what they protect and how they are acquired. 

Biographical Sketch of the Speaker:
Laura Huffman is a proud graduate of Georgia Tech, holding the BSEE and MSEE degrees. She began her career at Bell Laboratories in research and development in optical fiber and cable. She subsequently moved into business management for Lucent Technologies and OFS, with global responsibility for product management, product marketing, business development, intellectual property strategy and public policy. After that career, she obtained her JD degree from Emory University, where she participated in the joint Georgia Tech Emory TI:GER program. She recently retired from the Intellectual Property Group of King & Spalding LLP. Her practice there included all aspects of intellectual property litigation and counseling with a primary emphasis on patent litigation.  She is currently a board member of the Georgia Intellectual Property Alliance (GIPA), with responsibility for interactions with Georgia universities. Ms. Huffman is married to David Huffman, BSEE '80, and is the proud mother of Matt, a fourth year NRE student.