March 2018

"Strong IP Drives The Bottom Line" Moves To Paris

By Peter Hess, President, LES International

It is always worthwhile to spend time in Paris. On the invitation of LES France, I had the honor to present at the Annual Conference of LES France on December 5, 2017 the main elements of this year's program of the LESI Board. The program was impressive! It took place in the wonderful building of the "Cercle de L´Union Interalliée," which those of you know already who if you attended the LES International Conference 2017 in Paris. Several presentations were given under the general title "Actualités du Licensing 2017," including presentations from Kristin Neumann from the MPEG LA Patent Pool, and Jérome Gueydan from the French telecommunication company Orange. Congratulations, LES France!

The next key event was the LESI Winter Planning Meeting in Vienna on January 20, 2018, which was preceded by a joint conference of LES Austria, LES Czech Republic & Slovakia, and LES Hungary on January 19, 2018 under the title "Intellectual Asset Management, Strategies and Deal Structures." The conference was a great success also because there was an impressive mixture of local and international speakers. The concept of a joint conference of the involved LES Societies was also very convincing. Introducing baby Oskar Müller-Stoy, a future LESI leader, at the meeting in Vienna. It is worthwhile to "combine forces," to provide the best possible quality event. This could serve as a potential blueprint also for future projects and for other societies! One other highlight of the conference was the presentation of the "LESI Service Recognition Certificate" to Michael Lántos from LES Hungary for his huge contribution over 25 years to LES Hungary and LES International. Thank you Michael for your services to the LES Community!

The next major event coming up is already the LES International conference in San Diego, April 29-May 2. I hope to see you all there!

Peter K. Hess,
President of LES International

Introducing baby Oskar Müller-Stoy, a future LESI leader, at the meeting in Vienna. From left, Elisabeth Hess, Valerie Eder, Géraldine Müller-Stoy, Tilman Müller-Stoy and Peter Hess.

Michael Lantos receives a service award from Peter Hess.