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.

The event then shifted to the practical challenges companies face when defending trade dress in high-stakes litigation. J. Michael Keyes, a partner at Dorsey + Whitney LLP, shared valuable expertise in this area, with FSU Law Professor Justin Sevier providing further context and analysis to enhance the conversation. The symposium wrapped up with Felicia Caponigri, a visiting scholar at Chicago-Kent College of Law and a guest scholar at the IMT School for Advanced Studies in Lucca, Italy, who provided a thought-provoking exploration of trade dress within cultural and fashion law, underscoring the significance of color and design in shaping brand identity. Ruth Vafek, a partner from Berger Singerman, contributed insightful commentary, highlighting the intersection of fashion, culture, and intellectual property. FSU Law students from the Business Review Law Journal also played an instrumental role in assisting and supporting the symposium.

Click here to watch the recording.