In this week’s Washington IP News, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions asks Moderna’s CEO about potential price increases for the company’s COVID vaccine. I plan to hear from the Minister about the competition with China. Elsewhere, the Hudson Institute is holding an event the day before the Supreme Court hears oral argument in a case that could have a major impact on trademark law.
March 21 (Tue)
Hudson Institute
Jack Daniel’s v. VIP Products Argument Preview: Supreme Court Allows Humorous Use of Trademarks
Online webinar on Tuesday at 10:00 am
On Tuesday, the Hudson Institute will hold the event one day before the Supreme Court hears oral arguments. Jack Daniel’s v. VIP ProductsThis lawsuit over novelty dog toys may seem insignificant at first glance, but it could have far-reaching implications for First Amendment and trademark law. Hudson Legal Fellow his Devlin Hartline and expert panelists Megan K. Bannigan, Ben Sheffner, and Vijay Toke discuss this important case and how the courts are dealing with the First Amendment and trademark law. Discuss how you can balance
Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
AI-Generated Art: Is Human Creativity Booming or Busting?
Online webinar on Tuesday at 11:00 am
On Tuesday, ITIF will discuss the boom in interest in AI-generated art. Advances in technology pose challenges and potential use cases for those working in the creative industries. Some worry that AI-generated art will have a terrifying impact on human creativity, while others see AI as a potential tool to add to their arsenal. This new technology also raises many questions for the IP industry. All of this will be discussed by a panel of speakers at this ITIF webinar.
Wednesday, March 23rd
United States Patent and Trademark Office
China IP Roadshow in Minnesota: Strategies for Intellectual Property Protection in China
Wednesday at 8:30 a.m., Training Center 330 Second Avenue South, First Floor, Minneapolis
On Wednesday, the USPTO will hold a day-long event in Minneapolis to inform small businesses on how to protect their IP in China. This free program features insights from experts from the U.S. government, IP attorneys, and local business stakeholders. The event will also discuss recent IP developments in China and the importance of protecting his IP for companies in China even if they don’t do business there.
Senate Committee on Health, Education, Work, and Pensions
Taxpayers paid billions: So why would Moderna consider quadrupling the price of its COVID vaccine?
216 Hart Senate Building and online livestream Wednesday at 10:00 am
On Wednesday, the committee will hear from Moderna CEO Stephen Bancel about the company’s future pricing plans for its COVID vaccine. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) chaired the committee and was very critical of the company after the CEO said he could quadruple the price of the vaccine. In a committee majority staff report released in February, Sanders wrote: Pandemic. ”
March 23 (Thursday)
House Foreign Relations Committee
The State of American Foreign Policy in 2023: Growing Conflict, Budget Challenges and Great Power Competition
Thursday at 10:00 am US Capitol, HVC-210 and online livestream
On Thursday, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken will speak before the House Foreign Relations Committee on the so-called great power race between the United States and China. Last month, the Secretary of State canceled a high-level meeting with Chinese diplomats after a balloon from China crossed the US mainland. Some foreign policy watchers thought tensions might have eased ahead of the scheduled meeting, but they are now worsening.
House Energy Subcommittee
Unleashing America’s Power: Developing Next-Generation Energy Infrastructure
2318 Rayburn House Office Building and Online Livestream Thursdays at 2pm
On Thursday, the subcommittee will discuss three draft bills authorizing grid security, hydrogen and pipeline research, development and demonstration activities. A variety of stakeholders from the world of business and research testify. Last week, President Biden approved the controversial Willow oil drilling project in Alaska.
Friday, March 24th
Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
Sustaining a Virtuous Cycle: The Economics of Biopharmaceutical Innovation
Friday noon Hart Senate Office Building 902 and online livestream
On Friday, academics and industry experts will discuss a new report from ITIF that examines the economics of biopharmaceutical innovation and how the United States can sustain an environment that supports this innovation. The ITIF Panel will consider various policy options available to best support innovation in life sciences. The panel included David Cutler, Otto Eckstein Professor of Applied Economics at Harvard University; Su Pessin, President and CEO, Alliance for Aging Research; • Includes Neeraj Soud, Professor of Public Policy and Associate Dean of Research.
