This Week in Washington IP: U.S. Cyberspace Strategy, Cryptocurrency Regulation, and Discussions with Former U.S. Trade Representatives

This week in Washington IP news, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is hosting events on blockchain and drafting provisional patent applications, while the Brookings Institution is hosting an event on the regulation of cryptocurrency markets. Also in the cyber world, three authors will make their case for a more holistic and aggressive U.S. approach to cyberspace strategy at The Heritage Foundation.

Monday, October 17

The Heritage Foundation

Cyber Persistence: A New Paradigm for Cyberspace Strategy and Policy

At 12:00 PM on Monday virtually or at The Heritage Foundation 214 Massachusetts Avenue NE Washington, DC 20002

Three co-authors, Michael Fischerkeller, Emily Goldman, and Richard Harknett will hold a presentation on their work on cyberspace competition. The authors argue for a new approach to U.S. cyberspace strategy and make the case to break with the principle of deterrence in response to cyberspace activity “which occurs below the level of armed conflict.” The event will be hosted by Dustin Carmack, research fellow at the Heritage Institute.

Center for Strategic & International Studies

A Conversation with Former U.S. Trade Representatives

At 3:30 PM on Monday at CSIS Headquarters and virtually

Big events, including the pandemic, war in Europe, and trade disputes between competitors and strategic allies, have made U.S. trade policy a hot-button issue once again. CSIS is hosting four former U.S. Trade Representatives to discuss what a positive trade agenda under President Biden should look like. The four key speakers are Ambassadors Carla Hills, Susan Schwab, Ronald Kirk, and Michael Froman.

Tuesday, October 18

U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary

Breaking the Logjam Part 2: The Office of Legal Counsel’s Role in Shaping Executive Privilege Doctrine

At 2:00 PM at Dirksen Senate Office Building Room 226

The Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action, and Federal Rights will listen to Christopher H. Schroeder, Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Counsel at the U.S. Department of Justice. 

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Trademark Basics Boot Camp, Module 3: Searching

At 2:00PM, online video webinar

The USPTO will present the third in an eight-part series geared to small business owners and entrepreneurs meant to educate on the basics of trademark registration and maintenance. Register to attend here.

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Blockchain & IP: USC 101 patent eligibility in blockchain

At 4:00 PM, online video webinar

The explosion of the cryptocurrency and blockchain industries has caused many questions in the IP space. In this virtual event, USPTO professionals will look at the nuances behind blockchain innovations and patent claims. 35 U.S.C. 101 will be discussed as it relates to the limited application of patent eligibility in the digital space. The talk will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

Thursday, October 20

The Brookings Institution

Regulating digital assets: The prudential perspective

At 10:00 AM, online video webinar

Cryptocurrency markets are known for their immense volatility with fortunes being made as quickly as entire marketplaces go bust. This has caused loud calls for more regulation on the wild market. The Center on Regulation and Markets at Brookings is hosting this event to discuss regulating digital assets. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Acting Chairman Martin J. Gruenberg will comment on the questions surrounding bank regulators overseeing the digital currency markets. It will be the second event in a series on the future of digital asset markets.

Hudson Institute

How the Copyright System Works for Musicians Today

At 12:00 PM, online video webinar

It’s been long known that musicians have struggled to control their copyright and art in the digital age. While these artists fight to protect their right to make money off of their music, it has become easier for others to repurpose it or directly profit from others’ work. In this event, a panel of musicians, industry professionals, and legal experts will discuss how musicians navigate the current copyright landscape.

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

The Path to a Patent, Part II: Drafting provisional patent applications

At 2:00 PM, online video webinar

In part two of this eight-part recurring series, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) experts discuss key differences between provisional and nonprovisional patent applications, filing requirements and fees, the different ways to file a provisional application, and more.