The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Speaking Engagement | August.21.2016 - August.24.2016 | 8am - 5pm (Eastern Standard Time)
Charlotte Convention CenterWashington, D.C., partner Vann Pearce and senior associate Christopher Higgins will be featured speakers at the Additive Manufacturing + 3D Printing in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 22. Vann and Chris will lead the panel titled "The Intersection of 3D Printing & Intellectual Property," which will focus on how 3D printing and additive manufacturing are rapidly changing the legal landscape. They also will share their expertise on what aspects of 3D printing/additive manufacturing IP are protectable, how to best ensure your company's IP is protected, and emerging threats to start considering now. For more information on the conference and to view the full agenda, please click here.
Washington, D.C.
Vann Pearce is a trial lawyer representing leading technology companies in patent infringement and related litigation and disputes. He has been lead counsel in more than 20 matters, including matters with tens to hundreds of millions of dollars at stake, for clients including publicly traded U.S., Japanese, and European companies.
Since 2022, Vann also has served as the Chief Practice Officer for the firm's IP & Litigation Business Units. In this role, Vann advises on strategic planning, operations, and management of Orrick’s IP, Employment, Complex Litigation & Dispute Resolution, International Arbitration, and Supreme Court & Appellate practice groups, which comprise nearly 400 attorneys globally. His responsibilities include oversight of the units' financial performance, business planning and execution, and lawyer recruiting.
He also counsels clients on patent licensing and portfolio development, particularly for companies developing 3D printing-related technologies. Vann co-founded Orrick's 3D printing practice.
Vann previously served as the firm’s U.S. Law School Hiring Partner, overseeing entry-level hiring nationwide.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Leading patent litigators have referred to Chris' mind as a "virtual legal playground." Chris is a trial lawyer with an electrical engineering degree, giving him a unique set of skills to represent clients in disputes involving complex technologies such as graphics processing, semiconductors, medical devices, LCD displays, 3D printing and 3D scanning, and data encryption. Chris is the co-leader of the 3D Printing Group at Orrick.
Chris has developed a global reputation as an authoritative source on legal issues in 3D printing, and has been a featured speaker at 3D printing events around the world. His 3D printing practice includes advising startups and established 3D printing companies on all aspects of intellectual property law, cybersecurity, and technology transactions. Chris helps 3D printing clients grow their businesses and capitalize on market opportunities and represents them in court to defend or enforce IP rights. Chris' 3D printing work extends beyond the courtroom; he teaches a course at Penn State University as part of its Masters of Engineering in Additive Manufacturing and Design program.
Chris' patent litigation and IPR practice also covers a wide range of other technologies including graphics processing, digital image processing and printing, semiconductor devices and semiconductor manufacturing, data encryption, high-definition television, digital content recognition, and medical devices. Chris has also assisted clients with licensing and patent prosecution related to 3D printing, digital imaging, wireless technology, mobile communication devices, encryption, high-definition television and medical devices.
Prior to law school, Chris worked in the patent department of a medical device company and as an engineer designing electronic components for missiles, projectiles, and bombs.