Podcasts

Welcome to The Tech Law Hangout, where law and technology collide in a dynamic conversation. Join Jordan Becker, a patent attorney and partner at Perkins Coie LLP, as he explores this ever-evolving intersection. Regularly joined by his Perkins Coie colleagues, this podcast dives deep into the essentials and innovative strategies of technology law, including intellectual property (IP), corporate, privacy, and tech transactions. Whether you're an innovator, entrepreneur, or corporate decision-maker in the tech industry, this podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the legal landscape. Tune in and join the conversation at The Tech Law Hangout.

Listen to "The Tech Law Hangout" on Spreaker.

Episode Descriptions

04.19.2024 | Trademark Law With Britt Anderson
On this episode of The Tech Law Hangout, we’re excited to welcome Perkins Coie partner Britt Anderson to talk about trademark law. We discuss how trademark law overlaps with business and advertising, which can create complex legal issues for technology companies. Britt also digs deeper into why trademark rights may not be automatically granted with a company name and how you can apply for trademark registration in the United States and the rest of the world.

04.02.2024 | Accelerating The Patent Application Process
On this episode of The Tech Law Hangout, host Jordan Becker discusses the normal patent application timeline, the ways you can speed up the patent examination process, and the associated costs of doing so.

03.20.2024 | Protecting Materials Created by Artificial Intelligence (AI) With Lisa Oratz
On this episode of The Tech Law Hangout, host Jordan Becker is joined by Lisa Oratz to discuss whether AI-created works are protectable under U.S. copyright law. They explore the meaning of “human authorship” in this context and whether images created by AI tools can be protected. They also dig into how much weight the U.S. Copyright Office’s decisions have and Lisa’s thoughts on how current guidelines may change in the future.

03.05.2024 | How To Choose a Patent Attorney
On this episode of The Tech Law Hangout, we talk about finding a good patent attorney. For those who have already engaged one, we provide tips to ensure that they are the right fit. We also dig into why having a good attorney is essential to protecting legal rights and why it is critical that a patent attorney understands a client’s business and business goals.

02.20.2024 | Talking Venture Capital and Private Equity With Troy Foster
On this episode of The Tech Law Hangout, host Jordan Becker is excited to welcome his colleague Troy Foster, a partner and co-chair of Perkins Coie’s Emerging Companies & Venture Capital practice, to discuss the differences and similarities of venture capital and private equity.

02.06.2024 | Do I Need a Patent Lawyer?
On this episode of The Tech Law Hangout, host Jordan Becker discusses whether an inventor really needs a patent lawyer and how working with one can ensure the patent application is of the highest quality possible. We dive into factors that inventors need to consider before deciding whether to write the application themselves, use an invention help company, or engage a patent attorney. We also talk about what a patent application should look like, why the first answer from the Patent Office is likely to be “no,” and why writing a patent is an art form.

01.26.2024 | Raising Capital for Startups
On this episode of The Tech Law Hangout, host Jordan Becker and his colleague Valeska Pederson Hintz discuss raising capital for startup companies. Topics include the outlook for companies seeking to raise funds in 2024, the different types of investment rounds and what to know about each one, and what entrepreneurs and startups should keep in mind if they plan to raise capital.

01.11.2024 | Exploring the Different Types of Patent Applications
On this episode, host Jordan Becker explores three types of patent applications and reveals which ones are best suited for different types of inventions. Learn the difference between nonprovisional and provisional applications, and why savvy startups often begin their patent journey with a provisional patent application. Jordan also takes listeners behind the scenes of the prosecution phase of the patent application process and provides insights on how it all works.

12.28.2023 | Why, What and How: The Patent Application Process
On this episode of The Tech Law Hangout, host Jordan Becker digs into intricacies of the patent application process. Discover the crucial time when an inventor should reach out to a patent lawyer, the significance of the filing date, and the power of taking early action to protect an invention. We'll uncover the secrets behind how the filing date can make or break the patentability of an invention, and Jordan highlights why inventors should welcome a rejection from the U.S. Patent Office on their first attempt.

12.13.2023 | Unlocking the Intersection of AI and Patents
Host Jordan Becker explores the evolving world of AI, discussing burning questions such as: Can AI creators claim exclusive rights to their software? And what happens when AI becomes the creator itself? We'll also unravel the differences between copyright and patent laws, and uncover the challenges and strategies for legally protecting AI technology.

11.28.2023 | Breaking the Code on Patenting Software
Join us on The Tech Law Hangout as we dive into the misconceptions surrounding software patentability. Host Jordan Becker sheds light on why this topic continues to ignite passionate discussions among innovators and businesses. Plus, we explore the intriguing realm of "patent subject matter eligibility" and uncover which types of software have a higher chance of gaining approval from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

11.28.2023 | Demystifying Patents
Join us on The Tech Law Hangout as we explore the true significance of holding a patent and the essential requirements for obtaining one. Host Jordan Becker reveals the strategic uses of patents, from offensive and defensive tactics to fueling business growth. Plus, we delve into the crucial considerations inventors must weigh when deciding to pursue a patent, including gauging innovation and commercial viability.

11.28.2023 | Navigating IP Law
In the premiere episode of The Tech Law Hangout, host Jordan Becker guides us through the world of intellectual property (IP) law, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade dress, and trade secrets. Jordan breaks each concept down with real-world examples, revealing how each form of IP can make or break businesses and entrepreneurs.