How to Manage Proprietary Information in the Age of AI: Insights from Dr. Andy Kirk
In the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, managing proprietary information has never been more critical. Companies face the challenge of preserving their intellectual assets while harnessing the power of technology. In this video conversation we’ll explore insights from Dr. Andy Kirk, former director of information management at Dow Chemical Company, on how organizations can safeguard their proprietary knowledge. We will delve into the historical context, current best practices, and the implications of AI on information management.
Thoughtful Thursdays by Tornado IP | Episode 4: Unlocking Innovation at the Tech Transfer Office: Protecting and Monetizing University Research
This episode explores how universities manage innovation, protect intellectual property, and collaborate with industry. Guest Djordje Vukojevic from the University of Delaware discusses the process of patenting, commercialization, and the role of AI in technology transfer.
keywords: university innovation, intellectual property, patenting, commercialization, AI in tech transfer, university industry collaboration
Key topics:
• University innovation governance
• Patent filing and commercialization viability
• Training scientists on IP protection
• Industry-university collaboration strategies
• AI tools in technology transfer
Guest nameDjordje Vukojevic
Titles
• How Universities Turn Research into Revenue: The Patent Process Explained
• Unlocking Innovation: Protecting and Monetizing University Research
Sound Bites
• "Universities are important innovation powerhouses"
• "Assessing technological merit before patenting"
"Protecting confidential information is crucial"
How to Read a Patent Like an Expert: Pentagon Patent Insights
Triaging Large Patent Sets: Strategies from the Pentagon "Garage Sale"
In this episode of Thoughtful Thursdays, Dr. Szilvia Szep and Dr. Mike Bowe explore how to effectively read and evaluate patents, focusing on Pentagon license-free patents. They discuss strategies for triaging large patent sets, understanding patent claims, and identifying real commercial opportunities from government research.
Key topics:
• How to start reading a patent document
• Signals indicating a patent's commercial potential
• Importance of patent claims in evaluating inventions
• Triaging large patent sets from government sources
• Understanding patent lifecycle and legal status
• Identifying real inventions versus scientific ideas
• Role of patent claims in freedom to operate
• Using patent citations and references for analysis
• How government patents reach the market or stay hidden
Tools and strategies for effective patent search
Thoughtful Thursdays by Tornado IP
Episode 2-Challenges and myths about AI and IP protection
Summary:
In this insightful conversation, Dr. Szilvia Szep and Rujita Singh explore the intersection of AI, intellectual property, and organizational culture. They discuss how companies can adopt AI responsibly, protect trade secrets, and leverage AI for innovation without risking sensitive data.
Keywords:
AI, Intellectual Property, Trade Secrets, Innovation, Organizational Culture, AI Ethics, Patent Law, Data Security, AI Adoption, Business Strategy
Key topics:
• AI's impact on organizational clarity and culture
• Strategies for protecting trade secrets and IP in AI era
• Legal distinctions between patents and trade secrets
• Practical use of AI tools in business and research
Thoughtful Thursdays by Tornado IP | Episode 1, Part 2: Royalty Free Patents from the Pentagon
In this session, we continue our conversation with Mike Bowe, retired chemist from Dow Chemical. We share practical strategies for evaluating, sorting, and licensing these patents, emphasizing the importance of understanding licensing terms and using advanced patent search tools.
Keywords
patents, Pentagon patents, licensing, patent search, government patents, R&D, intellectual property, technology licensing
Key topics
• Pentagon's free patent access program
• How to evaluate and sort government patents
• Strategies for licensing and collaboration
Thoughtful Thursdays by Tornado IP | Episode 1, Part 1: License free patents from the Pentagon
In this episode Dr. Szilvia Szep and Dr. Mike Bowe discuss the implications of the Pentagon's offer of free access to government-held patents. They explore the challenges of commercializing patents, the role of licensing fees, and the myths surrounding patent value. The conversation emphasizes the importance of considering various factors beyond just obtaining a patent when bringing an invention to market.
Key Takeaways:
• The Pentagon's offer of free patents presents a unique opportunity.
• Many patents remain unused due to various commercialization challenges. • Licensing fees are not the only barrier to innovation.
• Successful commercialization requires more than just a patent.
• Market access and manufacturing capabilities are crucial for product development.
• The government holds a vast array of patents that could benefit industry.
• Research and development must consider the entire product lifecycle.
• Patents can protect inventions but do not guarantee market success.
• Collaboration with partners can enhance the commercialization process.
• Understanding the market is essential for bringing a product to fruition.
Fireside Chat: Trademarks & Patents in the AI Era
How brand, legal and R&D leaders can reconnect trademarks, patents and trade secrets to reduce risk, speed decisions and spend smarter.
John Hancock — Data & Brand-Protection Expert (Guest) Data-analytics specialist, with experience turning marketplace and takedown data into practical enforcement priorities and executive-level reporting. In this session, John shares how evidence from the field (counterfeits, look-alikes, online abuse) should inform trademark strategy and complement patent and trade-secret choices.
Szilvia (Silvia) Szep, PhD — CEO & Founder, Tornado IP Consulting Yale-trained PhD, Harvard-trained management professional, and U.S. Patent Agent. Former IP Strategy Laureate at DuPont (Electronics & Industrials) with prior IP leadership at Dow. She has shaped IP-driven growth across advanced materials, life sciences, and semiconductors—enabling 1,000+ colleagues and delivering seven-figure savings through portfolio audits, trade-secret programs, and due diligence. Today she helps executives link IP strategy to revenue, run clean FTO pathways, and pressure-test partnerships/M&A.