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MoFo Tech

A blog dedicated to information, trend spotting & analysis for science- & tech-based companies

It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, FRAND World

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Early Determinations of Fair, Reasonable, and Non-Discriminatory License Payments Have Been Anything but Consistent

When an invention claimed in a patent is essential to complying with a technical operating standard—say, for a device to connect to Wi-Fi or a 3G wireless network—it is considered a Standard Essential Patent, or SEP.

Under the rules of many standard-setting organizations, the holders of such patents must agree to license them to others at a rate that’s considered FRAND: fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory.

But when the parties can’t agree on what’s FRAND, the dispute can end up in court. Continue Reading

It’s (Not) Only a Movie

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By Advancing Film Digitization, Consolidating Content Delivery, and Adding Mobile Capabilities, Sam Sahana Helps Odeon’s Theaters Drive Sales and Fill Seats

First, he brought mobile boarding passes to airports. Now, Sam Sahana is helping theaters make the most of the mobile and digital experience. From mobile apps to speed the sales of tickets and popcorn to booking a theater via social media just for friends, Sahana understands the value of bringing a mobile device to the theater even if you are expected to turn it off once the movie begins. He also understands that the new economic frontier in the film exhibition business is e-commerce.

“This time in the industry is critical,” says Sahana, currently CTO of Odeon & UCI Cinemas Group. “I’ve been very fortunate because I led transformation with the airlines launching their portals. That was the beginning of my e-commerce career, and I have a long history of doing this. I’m fortunate to have the right team and industry climate so that I can replicate the experience with Odeon.” Continue Reading

Secrets in the Spotlight

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Companies May Get a New Weapon in the Fight Against Economic Espionage

Efforts to protect property from global threats gained momentum in Washington this summer with the introduction of a pair of bills that would create a federal civil cause of action for trade secret theft.

Currently, intellectual property owners that want to file suit for trade secret theft can only do so in state court. Under the Senate’s Defend Trade Secrets Act and the House’s Trade Secrets Protection Act, plaintiffs could sue in federal court, where it can be easier to reach defendants that have fled to another state or country. Continue Reading

The Coming of the Drones

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Amazon isn’t the Only Business That Would Love to Get its Hands on “Octocopter”

Don’t look now—hobbyists may already be flying drones in the skies near you, and commercial uses are emerging. The New York Times reported in June that drones have already been put to work gathering news, checking crops for farmers, taking dramatic house photos for real estate agents, even delivering drinks to poolside hotel patrons. Last December, Amazon.com’s Jeff Bezos appeared on 60 Minutes to show off drones that could deliver packages to most Americans in just 30 minutes. He said “octocopters” the size of today’s model aircraft could be delivering packages to your doorstep in four to five years. “I know this looks like science fiction, but it’s not,” he told CBS’s Charlie Rose. Continue Reading

Post Wisely

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Two FDA Guidelines Help Life Sciences Companies Solve Social Media Conundrums

Social media presents new challenges for life sciences companies. Companies that post about their products on space-constrained social media platforms such as Twitter or Facebook don’t have the luxury of a full page or a long voiceover listing risks or side effects. And it’s unclear how to respond to misleading information about products posted online by third parties. In June, the Food and Drug Administration produced two much-anticipated draft documents that provide some guidance in each case. Continue Reading