Intellectual Assets: Currency Before your Capital

Learn about how to protect key business assets while avoiding common mistakes in the context of an overall IP strategy in our lunch-and-learn presented by intellectual property expert, Ashley Sloat. We’ll be covering intellectual property like trade secrets, trademarks, copyright, and patents, as well as how open-source IP should be treated. We’ll also touch on responsible engagement with employees and vendors, especially around contracting, and typical mistakes made with IP.

This event is hosted by 20Fathoms in partnership with Aurora Patents.

Event format:

This is an in-person event and there is no charge to attend.

Lunch will be provided with support from Chick-fil-A.

Space is limited. Please register.

Who should attend:

Individuals in management positions, inventors, and small- and medium-sized business owners

About the presenter:

Ashley Sloat is a USPTO-registered patent practitioner who specializes in the development and management of patent portfolios for startup ventures and emerging growth companies. She takes a hands-on approach with each client; armed with this knowledge, Ashley is able to increase the value of her clients’ patent portfolios while reducing overall legal costs.

Ashley has significant experience building patent portfolios directed to a diverse array of technologies. Previously, with Silicon Valley’s Hudak Consulting Group LLC, Ashley drafted and prosecuted patent applications for robotic systems, intracardiac devices, wireless healthcare technologies, physical activity equipment, biotechnologies, surgical training systems, topical drug formulations, drug repurposing, and other medical and consumer product devices.

Ashley’s company, Aurora Consulting LLC, purchased Hudak Consulting Group LLC at the end of 2016 and has maintained a similar subject matter focus. Since then, Ashley has rapidly grown the company and maintained focus on startup ventures.

Ashley earned her Ph.D. in the biomedical sciences from the University of Michigan. In addition to her research in immune-mediated disorders, Ashley also worked as a technology transfer fellow in the Office of Technology Transfer at the U of M. After earning her Ph.D., Ashley served as a patent infringement researcher for the U of M and a regulatory writer for an Ann Arbor-based, early stage pharmaceutical company.

About 20Fathoms

20Fathoms is the home of technology and entrepreneurship in Northern Michigan. We catalyze innovation and entrepreneurship through startup incubation services, business workshops, community partnership, and a vibrant coworking space. We also remove barriers and accelerate career growth through tech career training, talent acquisition, and the advancement of regional strategic initiatives.