Professor Zorina Khan Speaks at CIPLIT's 17th Niro Distinguished IP Lecture and Luncheon.DePaul University College of Law's Center for Intellectual Property Law and Information Technology (
CIPLIT) hosted the 17th
Niro Distinguished Intellectual Property Lecture and luncheon in September. The
event features notable persons in the field of intellectual property law. This year's speaker was Professor
Zorina Khan, professor of economics at Bowdoin College, who
presented on “Trolls and Other Patent Inventions.”
During the session, Professor Khan focused
on ongoing issues with the United States' patent system due to
excessive litigation and the challenges in responding to constant advancements in technology
throughout the 21st century. Her speech explored the history of
patents in America, from its relevance at the birth of the nation to
its impact on modern free market principals. She further examined at
how the patent system set up by the United States influenced the development
of other national patent systems during the 19th century
and beyond.
The event also paid tribute to Raymond
P. Niro Sr., who passed away earlier this year. Niro sponsored the event since its creation in 1998, and his support
was crucial in CIPLIT's ongoing efforts to analyze important legal
issues in intellectual property. Professor Bobbi Kwall, the Raymond P. Niro Professor of
Intellectual Property Law, and his son Dean Niro, who is a partner at
Niro Law, spoke about Niro's legacy as a champion of
the underdog in patent litigation.