SPIN Event - 2002-02-21

Best Practices for Managing the Software Contract Process

DATE: February 21, 2002

PLACE: Rideau Room, Sheraton Hotel, 150 Albert Street

SPEAKERS: Greg McElheran, Diane Cornish, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

SPONSOR: Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

Event Abstract:
This presentation will describe best practices for managing the software contract process. To maximize the return and adequately protect intellectual property, an organization that intends to license its software for commercial application, contract for software development and/or include third party software in their own software product must implement critical processes and policies. To assist in this implementation, the speakers will address the following areas:

Procedural/functional considerations for a contract management organization, including roles and responsibilities, contract management and administration and strategies for administering and documenting software contracts

Practical checklists to review essential terms of software contracts including phrases you should avoid using in a contract

Contractual protections and other issues to consider when contracting for software and software development work

Practical tracking mechanisms to identify and administer contract obligations

The use of third party software in internal software development programs, including important risk management measures to include in your contract

Practices and strategies to own, protect and leverage intellectual property rights

Speakers:
Greg McElheran is a lawyer in the Ottawa office of Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP practicing in the Technology Law Group. Prior to joining Oslers, Greg worked in the United States as in-house counsel with Lucent Technologies, specializing in the sale and licensing of communications hardware, software and associated professional services. Greg has in-depth experiencing in the commercial licensing of software products, including network management and OSS systems, application software and intelligent networking platforms in the communications industry.

Diane Cornish is a partner in the Ottawa office of Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP. She practices exclusively in the area of Intellectual Property law with a special emphasis on the protection and licensing of intellectual property rights, technology transfer issues and litigation related to trade-marks, copyright and patents. Ms. Cornish has published numerous articles and presented talks relating to various issues of Intellectual Property law particularly those arising in a digital environment. She is the author of "A Guide to Licensing Intellectual Property" (Carswell, May 1995). Ms. Cornish is a member of various professional organizations and is a Past-Chair of the National Intellectual Property Section of the Canadian Bar Association.

Who should attend this event?

Managers, administrators, contract and sales personnel and in-house counsel who are responsible for the administration and execution of software contracts

Technical personnel, developers and program managers who are responsible for selecting software suppliers, or who have responsibility for the use of third party software