Congress is expected to pass the America Invents Act in September − much to the dismay of individual inventors, universities and small business owners across the country. Critics say the bill does nothing to actually help promote innovation, and might actually hinder it. How will the new law affect businesses and other entities that are already struggling in a sluggish economy?

An upcoming forum to be held in Washington, D.C. on August 29, 2011 − with a webcast on the day of the event − promises to address those issues. Sponsored by the local chapter of the IEEE and supported by the National Small Business Association (NSBA), the forum will include insights from patent experts, angel investors, entrepreneurs and a retired Chief Judge of the Federal Court of Appeals. Moderator Chris Katopis is a former Director of Congressional Relations with the USPTO.

Topics will include not only the expected changes to patent law, but also the recent trend of large multinational corporations buying vast patent portfolios − and what that might mean for smaller entities and innovators.

Registration for the forum closes August 26 and seating is limited, so be sure to register now. You can learn more about the presenters and topics, view the schedule, register for the forum and find the link for the webcast here. And if you miss the live webinar, we will have a video of the seminar posted here on the AIPR site.