(102a) Intellectual Property and the Circular Economy

In view of the shift towards a more sustainable economy, industries of all kind are putting aside the “take-make-waste” economic model and developing circular economy technologies. The goal of the circular economy is to eliminate waste through new or improved designs of materials, products, and systems. With this renewed focus on the circular economy, companies have begun to develop a variety of new proprietary technologies that are now being brought to the market. With the increase in new circular economy technologies, the necessity for intellectual property continues to rise. Although companies need to protect their IP rights, there is also a need to allow other companies to help the world become more sustainable. Thus, companies must balance the need to protect IP rights and the need to share their technologies.

This presentation will provide an overview of the basics of IP, how IP is at the forefront of circular economy technologies, and important considerations for members of industry, academics, and anyone with an idea for a circular economy invention. Speakers will also highlight several case studies addressing sustainable IP and whether the IP was strong enough.