Effective Due Diligence for IP Licensing Strategies Seminar

Mar 10, 2007, Sat, 2-5 PM at Los Alto Library Community Room
13 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos, CA 94022. Map

Tianjun (T.J.) Hou, Attorney at Law, Foley & Lardner LLP

Conducting a thorough and effective intellectual property due diligence is a crucial aspect of various life science transactions including IP licensing. The intellectual property due diligence can make or break a deal. No matter it is a target company or a suitor, knowing the "ins and outs" of running an informed and well-organized IP due diligence review is essential for consummation of a successful deal.

Mr. Tianjun Hou will introduce the basics of IP licensing and fundamental issues of due diligences for IP licensing. Topics will include:

An anatomy of an IP licensing grant
Key provisions in an IP licensing agreement
Why carry out an IP due diligence
Goals of IP due diligence as a licensor and a licensee
How to conduct an effective due diligence review
How to structure due diligence review for different deals
Protection mechanism

Tianjun Hou is an associate with Foley & Lardner and a member of the firm's Chemical & Pharmaceutical and International Practices.

Mr. Hou focuses his practice on various aspects of patent and trademark laws. A registered patent attorney, Mr. Hou counsels clients in pharmaceutical, medical appliances and equipment, biotechnology, liquid crystal display and semiconductor industries. His practice includes procuring and managing clients' worldwide patent portfolio; providing strategic counseling; conducting patentability, validity, and freedom-to-operate assessments; preparing non-infringement and invalidity opinions; and due diligence reviews for initial public offering and merger and acquisition.

Prior to joining Foley, Mr. Hou worked with China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and CCPIT Patent & Trademark Law Office in Beijing, China. He has built an extensive expertise in helping international companies navigate through the cultural and legal landscape while doing business in China.

Mr. Hou is admitted to practice in California and the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He also has the qualification to practice before the State Intellectual Property Office of China.

Mr. Hou received his Bachelor of Science degree from Dalian University of Science and Technology and his Master of Science degree from Tianjin University in China. He earned his law degree from Santa Clara University School of Law in 2001.

Mr. Hou is a member of American Bar Association, American Intellectual Property Law Association, and San Francisco Intellectual Property Law Association. He is fluent in the Chinese language.

Foley & Lardner LLP is an international law firm providing a full range of legal counsel. At Foley & Lardner LLP, Mr. Hou focuses his practice on various aspects of intellectual property laws. A registered patent attorney, Mr. Hou counsels clients in pharmaceutical, medical appliances and equipment, biotechnology, liquid crystal display and semiconductor industries. His practice includes providing strategic counseling; conducting patentability, validity, and freedom-to-operate assessments; preparing non-infringement and invalidity opinions; and due diligence reviews for initial public offering and merger and acquisition.