The Marshall University Technology Transfer Office (TTO) will present a free seminar on Tuesday, Nov. 28, to be delivered via Microsoft Teams from 2 to 3 p.m EST. It will provide a general overview of intellectual property protection available for creations in gaming and the arts, as well as the importance of understanding creative rights and property in the world of gaming. These rights and property also apply to theater, music, photography and digital imagery, literary works, and other artistic works and expression.
The session will be led by attorney Scot Duvall of the firm Stites & Harbison PLLC and hosted by Amy Melton, director of Marshall’s Technology Transfer Office. Duvall is an intellectual property attorney in Stites & Harbison’s Louisville, Kentucky, office. He has practiced in the fields of trademarks and intellectual property for over 25 years, with significant experience in legal issues affecting the tabletop gaming industry.
His practice includes brand development and clearance, and trademark registration in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO). His transactional experience includes licensing, contracting, due diligence and IP-related aspects of business transfer and franchise agreements.
Duvall has negotiated licenses for his clients’ use of iconic brands, such as Hello Kitty and the Smurfs, in tabletop games and related Kickstarter campaigns. He also has experience in pre-litigation disputes as well as in litigation in the Trademark Trial & Appeals Board and federal courts.
The Technology Transfer Office provides guidance for university faculty, staff and students in all facets of the technology commercialization process including confidentiality agreements;, funding support from federal, state, foundation and corporate sources; research collaboration and networking; material transfer; export control; conflict of interest management; angel and venture capital; technology licensing; and business startup development.
The seminar is free and open to the public, but reservations are required to receive the link to join. Please send reservations to tto@marshall.edu. For more information, contact Melton at 304-696-4365.