IP Section Programs Address Cutting Edge Legal Issues

The Intellectual Property Law Section of the Sacramento County Bar was originally formed in 1989 by Joe Gerber, John O'Banion and several others. It was a small group of individuals who practiced an esoteric area of law that few lawyers encountered on a daily basis. Now the IP Section is a robust group of over 75 lawyers whose practices include a wide array of fascinating issues ranging from eradicating music piracy over the internet to gene patenting.

In 2003, our group was lead by Kathi Finnerty of Livingston & Mattesich as President, Geoff Goodman of Murphy, Austin, Adams & Schoenfeld as Vice President, Thomas Morton of Pillsbury Winthrop as Secretary, Scott Hervey of Weintraub, Genshlea, Chediak & Sproul as Treasurer, Michael Thomas of Downey Brand as Events Chair and Steve Smith of O'Banion & Ritchie rounding out the board. The section is currently soliciting nominations for its 2004 board, and expects to hold officer elections soon.

The group successfully met its goals by conducting 10 monthly luncheons, with a wide array of interesting speakers, and conducting one major seminar. In addition to its always well attended Year in Review presentation, the IP section coordinated to bring several top policy makers from the United States Copyright Office to Sacramento in March, 2003. Local lawyers were given the chance to discuss key policy and practice developments directly with lawyers from the Copyright Office, each of whom was very responsive to the questions posed. "Stupid Domain Name Tricks" was the topic presented by UC Berkeley Professor Mike Lemly, and many laughs were had when the board members delivered their presentation on the topic "Parody: What's Humor and What's Infringement."

Fresh ideas and new board members are always welcome. Board meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month, and with luncheons held the second Wednesday. For further information, please contact Kathi Finnerty @ kfinnerty@lmlaw.net or check the section's website www.sacbar.org/ip.htm.