This is serious stuff—especially for an economic sector that produces most of this nation’s net job growth. Therefore, it’s time for responsible members of our industry to step up and help deal with the scourge of patent troll demand letters.
FIGHTING BACK
Stand Up to the Demand is a campaign designed to help small businesses identify and respond to these demand letters. The first phase of our campaign features a website with an infographic quiz that helps business owners distinguish a patent troll demand letter from a legitimate notice letter.
For example, have you received a demand letter addressed to no one in particular— perhaps “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Business Owner?” That’s a pretty good indicator that a patent troll has targeted you and hundreds of other businesses of a similar size or industry classification for a form letter shakedown.
Legitimate notice letters are always addressed to a specific person in a specific company. And ethically, we believe that a responsible licensor should not seek licenses or threaten litigation against a small business such as a start-up company, a local retailer or end-user customer.
Was the letter sent by some company you have never heard of, and does it fail to identify the true owner of the patent? That’s another clue that you’re the target of a bad demand letter.
Does the letter lack actual evidence that your particular business, or its products and services, are infringing one of the troll’s patents? Vague accusations of infringement that have no clear connection to your business are the hallmark of bogus demand letters.
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
