SIGGRAPH is introducing a new venue, Intellectual Property (IP) Marketplace, with the goal of simplifying the complicated process of matching parties for buying and selling of Intellectual Property as it pertains to the ever-expanding Computer Graphics (CG) and Human-Computer-Interaction (HCI) industries.
"Until now, there has not been an effective mechanism to connect those who develop or own IP [Patents, blueprints, software, circuits, trademarks, copyrighted material, technical know-how, etc.] with those who want to exploit it commercially," states Joe Marks, SIGGRAPH 2007 Conference chair. "IP Marketplace is a cutting-edge, experimental program that will provide such a mechanism for the SIGGRAPH community."
For a nominal matching fee, inventors and owners of such properties can list them for sale or license to the computer graphics community via the SIGGRAPH IP Marketplace. The IP listings will be made available via the SIGGRAPH 2007 conference web site to registered users. In addition, IP listings will be presented in poster format at SIGGRAPH 2007, Aug. 5-9, in San Diego, California. Potential buyers can peruse the listings and then contact sellers in person to arrange for a meeting during the SIGGRAPH conference. The terms of each transaction will be decided solely by the buyer and seller. Listings for patents will appear for one year online in the IP Marketplace and buyers will remain confidential.
According to Marks, the SIGGRAPH IP Marketplace is a major initiative because it addresses industry needs that are not currently being met. Marks stated, "Our hope is that the SIGGRAPH IP Marketplace will facilitate inventors and entrepreneurs working together to develop new CG/HCI products and services. What you see in IP Marketplace this year may be the basis of products you will see in the SIGGRAPH Exhibition a few years from now."
To list IP for sale or license, IP holders must complete the online SIGGRAPH 2007 IP Marketplace registration process, which is available after March 15. Complete details on the SIGGRAPH IP Marketplace and the application process are available on the SIGGRAPH website. Access to the IP Marketplace is free to SIGGRAPH 2007 full conference registrants.
SIGGRAPH 2007 (www.siggraph.org/s2007) will bring an estimated 25,000 computer graphics and interactive technology professionals from six continents to San Diego, California, for the industry's most respected technical and creative programs focusing on research, science, art, animation, gaming, interactivity, education and the web from Aug. 5-9 at the San Diego Convention & Exhibition Center. SIGGRAPH 2007 includes a three-day exhibition of products and services from the computer graphics and interactive marketplace from Aug. 7-9. More than 250 international exhibiting companies are expected. Registration for the conference and exhibition is open to the public.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
