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15 PLL Persp. 1 (2003-2004)

handle is hein.lbr/aaplper0015 and id is 1 raw text is: -PLL PERSPECTIVES THE QUARTERLY OF THE PRIVATE LAW LIBRARIES SIS OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF LAW LIBRARIES Volume 15 Issue 1 SUNNY IN SEATTLE: A PERSONAL VIEW OF AALL by Linda Jean Schneider, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP Philadelphia, PA In 1994 - the last time AALL and I were in Seattle - there was never a drop of rain and barely a cloud in the sky throughout the entire convention. Ironically, when I returned to Philadelphia that year, we experienced a major deluge that first day, so that train service was halted due to the severity of the weather! And once again this year, the West Coast was sunlit and extremely comfortable, unlike the extremely UN- comfortable temperatures and conditions we've been experiencing this past year in the East. Walking through the lovely Freeway Park Gardens each day on the way to the Convention Center from my hotel was an added bonus and complemented the picture-perfect weather. The schedule I planned before leaving on my trip included long days of almost continuous sessions because I'm always afraid I'll miss something! However, by the time I made my initial foray to the Convention Center, I had wisely opted to pace myself and to attend a few representative programs, between visits to the Exhibit Hall and networking with colleagues. I was also glad I had scheduled a few days after the conference to remain in Seattle and enjoy the sights, so I didn't feel I had to fit in sightseeing as well as the programs. THAT would have been stressful! In the Intellectual Property practice area, it seems our lives have become bowls of alphabet soup as IP, WIPO, USPTO, TM, PTC swirl relentlessly in ever-widening circles. I was glad to learn of an IP Special Interest Group in PLL, which is like a rope thrown to a drowning woman! The first session I attended was entitled Reinventing Trademark Research, which gave an excellent basic analysis of trademark practice and the required strategies. Speaker Frank Curci of Preston Gates & Ellis discussed the key points of the Practice, including the significance of The Madrid Protocol, which will shortly become effective in the United States. The Protocol is a system for the international registration of trademarks. Curci also commented on the most effective ways to monitor developments in the field. The second speaker, Colette Napoli, presented a thorough step-by-step guide for trademark clearance searches, as well as the underlying reason for this procedure. Her handout was also helpful, with several illustrative examples of searches. This format was so enlightening that I encourage the program planners to consider a similar program on patents for the next conference! The PLL Luncheon was also a 'must,' and provided an opportunity both to network and relax. I had heard Sandra Yancey speak before and had been struck by her personal warmth and energy. I wondered if she would be able to project the same to such a long and narrow room, especially to those of us seated at the rear. Never fear: Sandra gave an outstanding presentation that reached all of us in the far comers of the room as she urged everyone to make the most of individual capabilities and shared several practical tips on maintaining the focus and energy we all need to succeed. Two sessions concentrating on the challenges and vagaries of the ubiquitous topic of Knowledge Management and the implementation of portals in law firms were must-sees on my personal agenda. At the first presentation, Terry Dick of West, Cherylyn Briggs, Linda Will, and Kingsley Martin shared their quite extensive experiences and observations in an interactive panel format. Interspersing theory with real-life commentary, the Panel - particularly the equally ubiquitous K(ingsley) M(artin) - delivered invaluable insights into the workings of KM. A later session featured a side-by-side comparison of portal involvement with Bobbi Cross from Schnader Harrison in Philadelphia, and Barbara Holt of Perkins Coie LLP in Seattle. There are striking differences in the approaches of these two firms. The difference in their attack is as varied as the firms themselves. While one director took the leadership role and total control of the portal project, the other was heavily involved but allowed others to lead the charge. The Dynamic Duo distributed a brightly graphic list of Top Tips in Implementing a Law Firm Portal, again varied, but having several common threads. Among their valued comments were these: Maintain a sense of humor. (Cross) Stock up on stress reducing products. (Cross) Drink coffee. Strong coffee. (Holt) Be flexible. (Holt) Continued on Page 4 I-,1 PILL PERSPIl IEC TI S 1 F L 2 3 1 FALL

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