Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Time: 10 A.M. Pacific / 12 P.M. Central / 1 P.M. Eastern

Place: Virtual - Zoom

Cost: Complimentary

CLE Credit: We will apply for 1.0 hours of CLE credit for Minnesota, California, Texas and Washington state

Statements made years before litigation can decide how a patent's claims are construed. The next webinar in the SLW Chemistry and Biology Series "Words Matter: The Overlooked Statements Behind Claim Construction," will focus on real cases across multiple technology areas, with a particular emphasis on chemistry. Senior Attorney David VanVliet, with moderator Ryan Connell, will walk through specific examples where language chosen at the drafting or prosecution stage, whether in the U.S. or abroad, later constrained, or defeated enforcement of the issued patent. 

Most people think about prosecution history estoppel as being the most important issue for claim interpretation, but the importance of things said in the specification are also tremendously important. Language in the specification is often just as decisive, and statements made during foreign prosecution, particularly at the EPO, are a frequently overlooked source of risk to U.S. patents. This webinar is designed to help drafters and prosecutors recognize these risks before they're locked into the record, not after. 

Dr. David VanVliet is a Senior Attorney who works with clients in the chemical and biological sciences in all aspects of patent law, including, but not limited to, patent drafting and prosecution (US and international), patent portfolio development and management, patent due diligence, freedom to operate opinions, noninfringement opinions and invalidity opinions. His work often involves the intersection of foreign and domestic patent laws and how their intersection can affect patent rights in the different jurisdictions. 

Ryan Connell is a registered patent attorney practicing intellectual property law with an emphasis on chemical engineering, materials science, biotechnology, and organic chemistry. Ryan also has experience in a variety of mechanical and electro-mechanical related arts.

Register now for this highly informative presentation and feel free to share the invitation with a friend or colleague.