(74a) Intellectual Property and a Sustainable Future

As climate change continues to affect the world, industries of all kind are developing new ways to increase their sustainability and decrease their carbon footprint. This green revolution has led to a variety of new proprietary technologies being brought to the market. With the increase in new sustainable technology, the necessity for intellectual property continues to rise. Although companies need to protect their IP rights, there is also a need to allow other companies to help the world become more sustainable. Thus, companies must balance the need to protect IP rights and the need to share their technologies.

This presentation will provide an overview of the basics of IP, how IP is at the forefront of sustainable technology, and important considerations for members of industry, academics, and anyone with an idea for a green invention. Speakers will also highlight several case studies addressing sustainable IP and whether the IP was strong enough.