1 Participatory MCLE Credits

This webinar will provide an overview of how the four basic intellectual property tools (trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets) are being deployed by the legal cannabis industry in the U.S. (with a focus on California businesses and entrepreneurs). The webinar will also address some related IP licensing and litigation issues and will provide a foundation for IP lawyers with an interest in the cannabis industry.

Speakers: Shabnam Malek and Jeffrey Daniel Smyth

Non-Member Price
$75.00

Member Price
$55.00

Shabnam Malek is the Chief Legal Officer for 1906, an infused cannabis products and botanicals company. She oversees all things legal, compliance, and government affairs while also wearing a business development hat. Shabnam’s passion is in education and developing deep relationships among lawyers. Toward this goal, Shabnam is a co-founder and the founding President of the International Cannabis Bar Association (INCBA) and currently sits on its advisory board. Shabnam also chairs the PLI Cannabis Business Law program and is an adjunct professor at the University of New Hampshire School of Law. Shabnam remains a partner at the law firm, Brand & Branch, PC. Shabnam regularly speaks and writes on the topics of trademarks, brand expansion, regulated industries such as cannabis and hemp, and the role of women in creating change. She is an advisor to the Cannabis Media Council, sits on the Law360 Cannabis Editorial Advisory Board, and is an active member of the International Trademark Association. Shabnam was named a Northern California Rising Star three years in a row by Super Lawyers Magazine and has been ranked in Chambers USA Guide.

Jeffrey Smyth practices intellectual property law in a wide variety of areas, with a particular focus on litigation involving pharmaceutical and life sciences technologies, but also including electrical and mechanical inventions as well. He applies a thorough and creative approach to disputes in district courts and on appeal, where his clients’ most important assets are often at stake. Jeffrey also offers counseling and guidance to help companies strategically develop intellectual property that provides a competitive advantage, while at the same time being positioned to withstand attack at the patent office or in court. He is active in the California Lawyers Association as the Vice Chair of the Cannabis Interest Group and he regularly publishes and comments on unique issues that arise when cannabis meets IP, including in publications such as Marijuana Venture and WeedWeek.