Tech Desert: Addressing the Needs of Underserved Communities Through Technology
Recently, ACT | The App Association’s Amplify Diverse Talent Working Group hosted Tech Desert: Addressing the Needs of Underserved Communities Through Technology, a webinar highlighting companies that are bringing technologies to underserved communities, the unique obstacles they’ve faced, and the roles legislators and industry leaders can play in empowering tech innovators at large. The practice of building software around the so-called “typical user” can often lead to “edge cases” being ignored or not thoroughly considered, leaving entire disenfranchised communities in [...]
Amplify: Chris Sims
ACT | The App Association recognizes the gap in representation in the app economy, and we want to change that. Our Amplify series lifts the voices of those in the tech community who are working to close those gaps in representation. We’re highlighting the problem solvers, elevating those who are driving change in their field, and amplifying the efforts and voices of all people across all communities. This Amplify segment highlights Chris Sims, founder and CEO of member company CAVU [...]
Morgan Reed Statement on American Data Privacy and Protection Act
Today, ACT | The App Association released a statement from president Morgan Reed on today’s House Energy and Commerce Committee markup of the American Data Privacy and Protection Act (H.R. 8152). “We are glad to see that Democratic and Republican leaders of the House Energy & Commerce Committee have come together to approve the American Data Privacy and Protection Act. While we are still reviewing the text, we are encouraged by the bill’s preemption of state laws, flexibility for small [...]
What USPTO Limits on PTAB Discretionary Denials Mean for Small Businesses
In June, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Director Kathi Vidal issued a new guidance memorandum on interim procedures for discretionary denials in the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) post-grant proceedings (“Interim Procedures”). The memorandum addresses the availability for PTAB judges to deny patent challenges when the same claims and parties are involved in ongoing parallel district court litigation. The Interim Procedures are in effect until a final rulemaking process is complete. PTAB post-grant proceedings—a mechanism for challenging [...]
What businesses need to know about Intellectual Property: A Business Strengthening Member Resource from ACT | The App Association
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bs1mUvkPZRk In this video, we explore the key aspects of IP law that tech companies should be aware of with Pete Sadler, Partner and Intellectual Property (IP) Attorney at Reddie and Grosse LLP. This discussion is tailored to smaller businesses, although the topics covered are relevant to software, app, and connected device manufacturers of all sizes. If you would like to have an informal no-cost conversation about your specific IP concerns with Pete Sadler, Partner and IP Attorney [...]
The Copyright Claims Board: Offering Low-Cost Resolution for Small Infringement Claims
It isn’t often that a government entity implements a low-cost and user-friendly solution to real-world problems. However, that is exactly what the U.S. Copyright Office just did. Congress passed the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2020 (CASE Act), directing the Copyright Office to establish the Copyright Claims Board (CCB). We supported the CASE Act as a means of helping smaller copyright owners like app makers protect their intellectual property using a process that is more affordable and accessible than the federal [...]