Navigation Third Annual Business Law Symposium
The FSU College of Law hosted its third annual Business Law Review Symposium, focused on “Encapsulating Product Packaging Trade Dress.” The event, which attracted over 500 attendees both virtually and in person, brought together leading intellectual property scholars and practitioners to discuss the protection of trade dress—the distinctive packaging, colors, or designs that define a brand’s identity.
The symposium, led by FSU Law Professor Jake Linford, featured insightful panel discussions on how companies establish and protect their trade dress rights both in the U.S. and internationally. The panels also explored the consequences of infringement and the evolving role of intellectual property in brand identity protection. Audience questions were answered throughout the day, sparking engaging discussions and offering further depth to the topics covered. Professor Peter Yu from Texas A&M School of Law, a renowned expert in international IP law, kicked off the event with a session on the global landscape of trade dress protection. He was joined by FSU Law Professor Fred Abbott, whose expert commentary further illuminated the complexities of the subject.
Next Professor Janewa Osei-Tutu from the University of Miami School of Law focused on the societal impacts of intellectual property rights, particularly in developing countries, with commentary from FSU Law’s Lauren Scholz, who emphasized the broader implications of IP in global contexts. Professor Linford presented on trademarks and trade dress in the U.S., challenging traditional doctrines through his research, and was joined in the discussion by FSU Law Professor Jacob Eisler.
