In recent years, we have explored various patent law policy issues. The topic of our Forum this year is Online Platform Liability, specifically addressing: Are legislative changes in treatment of liability of online platforms needed? There have been increasing attempts to hold platforms liable for the sale of dangerous products and a few cases suggesting that product liability may in some circumstances attach to an online retailer selling defective products. Should online responsibility for products that infringe IP be treated differently? Is there a reason for a DMCA in the copyright context and no corresponding law in the trademark context? Do trademark takedown procedures work well even without a corresponding DMCA? Does the DMCA work the way it should? What should or can we do to keep the development of online platforms robust and competitive, while also setting guiderails for handling bad actors? Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act provides immunity to platforms hosting third party content (except for IP) - is it still needed and viable?

Panel also featured: Richard Sullivan, Derek Benner, Eric Goldman, and Ronald Chillemi