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. 

Bio: Laura Huffman is a graduate of Georgia Tech, holding the BEE 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 is with the Intellectual Property Group of King & Spalding LLP.  Her practice includes all aspects of intellectual property litigation and counseling.  She is a member of the Georgia Tech ECE Advisory Board and a part-time instructor in the School of Public Policy and the School of Computer Science. Ms. Huffman is married to David Huffman, BEE ‘80, and is the proud mother of Matthew, BSNE ‘19 and MSNE ‘21.