How can business help solve society’s biggest challenges? Welcome to Take on Tomorrow, the award-winning podcast from PwC that examines the biggest problems facing society and the role business can—and should—play in solving them. Hosts Femi Oke and Lizzie O’Leary talk to industry innovators, tech trailblazers and visionary leaders from around the globe about timely topics: from the climate transition to AI and data; and from the future of food to how we build, move and power the world.
…
continue reading
Content provided by Chad McAllister, PhD and Chad McAllister. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Chad McAllister, PhD and Chad McAllister or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.
Similar to Product Mastery Now for Product Managers, Leaders, and Innovators
Rachel Cooke is your guide to leadership and communication, helping you craft a workplace environment you can feel good about. She’ll share tips to help you balance your work and personal life, effectively invest your time, and be mindful about where you’re devoting your energy. Let Rachel help you navigate your path to success—however you define it.
…
continue reading
Call them changemakers. Call them rule breakers. We call them Redefiners. And in this provocative podcast, we explore how daring leaders from across industries and around the globe are redefining their organizations—and themselves—to create extraordinary impact in today’s rapidly changing world. In each episode, Russell Reynolds Associates Leadership Advisor Hoda Tahoun and former CEO Clarke Murphy host engaging, purposeful conversations with leaders in and out of the business world who shar ...
…
continue reading
1
The Brutal Truth about Sales and Selling - We interview the world's best B2B Enterprise salespeople.
Brian Burns
9k
286
No BS Allowed - Are you sick of empty suits telling you to work harder? - Learn about The Maverick Selling Method, which models the world's best salespeople and what they do differently. If you are in sales and are passionate about selling, you will like this podcast. The focus is on b2b sales and selling. If you are selling or in sales, this podcast is for you. I cover cold calling, spin selling, challenger sale, solution selling, and advanced selling skills. Strategic selling, LinkedIn, sa ...
…
continue reading
Some Goodness is hosted by Richard Ellis, a seasoned sales leader passionate about inviting top business minds to share their wisdom. Each episode is only 15-20 minutes, perfect for your commute or workout.
…
continue reading
A top podcast for healthcare leaders, with over one million downloads, Radio Advisory is your weekly download on how to untangle the industry's most pressing challenges to help leaders like you make the best business decisions for your organization. From unpacking major trends in care delivery—like site-of-care shifts and the rise of high-cost drugs—to demystifying stakeholder dynamics, to shining a spotlight on priorities that may get overlooked, we're here to help. Our hosts and seasoned r ...
…
continue reading
The Knowledge at Wharton Network Acast feed serves as a curated showcase highlighting the best content from our podcast collection. Each week, we feature one standout episode from each show in the Wharton Podcast Network, giving listeners a comprehensive sample of our diverse business and academic content. This rotating selection allows audiences to discover new shows within our network while experiencing the depth and variety of Wharton's thought leadership across different topics and forma ...
…
continue reading
Alessandro Bogliari, CEO and Co-Founder of The Influencer Marketing Factory, a global influencer marketing agency, talks with great guests about influencer marketing, social media, the creator economy, social commerce and much more.
…
continue reading
Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast. I've met so many brilliant people as I traveled the globe and have had some fascinating conversations that I've wished had been recorded so I could share them with you - this podcast was a way for me to recreate those moments and let you in on some fantastic insights. My current conversations center around one objective: what's next for companies and individuals as they look to innovate and grow. I hope these conversations inspire you as much as they have ...
…
continue reading
Tim Reid (AKA Timbo) interviews the most innovative founders in the world of small business. In this award winning podcast business owners share where their original business idea came from, how they got it to market and the strategies they used that led to their business’s unprecedented growth. Tim Reid's curiosity for what makes business owners tick and his passion for small business success means that every episode is chock full of marketing gold that will help you build that beautiful bu ...
…
continue reading
Player FM - Podcast App
Go offline with the Player FM app!
Go offline with the Player FM app!
))
563: Navigating intellectual property strategy in product management – with David Carstens
Manage episode 515882754 series 1538380
Content provided by Chad McAllister, PhD and Chad McAllister. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Chad McAllister, PhD and Chad McAllister or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.
What product managers should know about patents, trade secrets, and copyright
Watch on YouTube
TLDR
In this episode, I’m joined by David Carstens, a seasoned IP attorney and founding partner at Carstens, Allen & Gourley, who brings over 30 years of legal and technical experience in intellectual property (IP) strategy. Our conversation dives into the importance of IP management for product managers, how to build an IP strategy, when to consider patents versus trade secrets, the complexities of software and AI-generated content, and the rapid pace of change in the IP landscape. The episode is a must-listen for any product manager navigating decisions around invention protection, copyright, and the evolving influence of artificial intelligence.
Introduction
If you’ve ever wondered whether to patent that new feature, worried about AI training data copyright issues, or struggled to justify IP investment to leadership, you’re not alone. We’re exploring intellectual property strategy for product managers—and what it means to get it right and how expensive it can be when you get it wrong. Most product managers don’t receive training on IP strategy, yet the decisions you make daily have massive IP implications.
Our guest is David Carstens, who has a unique combination of technical depth and legal expertise. He’s a founding partner at Carstens, Allen & Gourley. He has dual engineering degrees, an MBA, and over 30 years experience protecting IP for companies building software, medical devices, and telecommunications products. He’s also an entrepreneur who founded multiple companies including a nationally chartered bank and an innovation platform, plus he’s been teaching IP law at SMU for three decades. David is currently investing in and speaking about the Fifth Industrial Revolution, making him well positioned to help us also understand how AI is reshaping IP strategy.
Summary of Concepts Discussed for Product Managers
IP Strategy Framework:
David mentions that there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” framework for IP strategy; it starts with assessing a company’s current position, identifying valuable innovations, evaluating what can realistically be protected, and aligning actions with budget constraints. Key steps include identifying strong value propositions, checking for existing patents or IP conflicts, and sometimes considering licensing or redesign if a competitor already owns relevant patents.
Timing and Collaboration:
Product managers should start thinking about IP early—preferably well before product launch or tooling investment. Collaborating with an IP attorney and creating a culture that values teamwork and knowledge sharing can help spot and protect innovations more effectively.
Patents, Trade Secrets, and Value:
Patents offer competitive advantages by providing pricing freedom, can act as bargaining assets, and are vital for companies seeking investment. Trade secrets, by contrast, are about keeping valuable information confidential (e.g., formulas or processes not disclosed publicly), but are only effective if the information can’t be easily reverse-engineered from the product.
Software & AI Challenges:
The fast pace of software development often complicates patent decisions. Patentability is more likely when software enables a genuinely novel technical process rather than automating routine tasks. For AI-generated content, copyright ownership is still unsettled; it usually depends on the degree of human contribution to the creative process. Legal systems are racing to catch up as AI shakes up traditional definitions of authorship and originality.
The Fifth Industrial Revolution and Legal Evolution:
David argues we’re entering a new industrial age defined by AI, blockchain, quantum computing, and advanced materials. The IP legal framework, largely unchanged for centuries, is struggling to keep pace with these rapid innovations, making adaptability and ongoing awareness essential for product managers.
Useful Link
- Learn more about Carstens, Allen & Gourley Intellectual Property Law Firm
Innovation Quote
“Pressure is a privilege.” – Billie Jean King
Application Questions
- At what point in your product development process do you typically involve IP considerations, and how might earlier engagement affect outcomes?
- How do you differentiate between an innovation worth patenting versus keeping as a trade secret in your product or technology stack?
- What internal processes or culture shifts could help your team better identify and protect intellectual property?
- How does the uncertainty around AI-generated content and copyright influence your use of AI tools in product development?
- What steps can you take to ensure your IP strategy remains effective as emerging tech (AI, blockchain, etc.) rapidly changes the innovation landscape?
Bio
David Carstens distinguishes himself not only through his comprehensive knowledge of legal protection of Intellectual Property (IP) but also through his innovative approaches to IP strategy and valuation. With an educational foundation that is as diverse as it is solid—holding bachelor’s degrees in both Electrical and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Dallas and Texas A&M University, respectively, a J.D. and an MBA from Southern Methodist University, along with completing the General Management Program at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania —David offers a distinctively strategic perspective in this specialized legal domain.
His multifaceted expertise demonstrates his capacity to transcend traditional legal strategies, offering his clients not just defense, but a competitive advantage in various industries including technology, medical devices, cosmetics, and telecommunications.
David is a founding partner of Carstens, Allen & Gourley and has been a pivotal figure on multiple boards. His ability to navigate the complexities of IP law, combined with his technical and business acumen, places him at the forefront of the field.
Thanks!
Thank you for taking the journey to product mastery and learning with me from the successes and failures of product innovators, managers, and developers. If you enjoyed the discussion, help out a fellow product manager by sharing it using the social media buttons you see below.
511 episodes
563: Navigating intellectual property strategy in product management – with David Carstens
Product Mastery Now for Product Managers, Leaders, and Innovators
Share
Manage episode 515882754 series 1538380
Content provided by Chad McAllister, PhD and Chad McAllister. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Chad McAllister, PhD and Chad McAllister or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.
What product managers should know about patents, trade secrets, and copyright
Watch on YouTube
TLDR
In this episode, I’m joined by David Carstens, a seasoned IP attorney and founding partner at Carstens, Allen & Gourley, who brings over 30 years of legal and technical experience in intellectual property (IP) strategy. Our conversation dives into the importance of IP management for product managers, how to build an IP strategy, when to consider patents versus trade secrets, the complexities of software and AI-generated content, and the rapid pace of change in the IP landscape. The episode is a must-listen for any product manager navigating decisions around invention protection, copyright, and the evolving influence of artificial intelligence.
Introduction
If you’ve ever wondered whether to patent that new feature, worried about AI training data copyright issues, or struggled to justify IP investment to leadership, you’re not alone. We’re exploring intellectual property strategy for product managers—and what it means to get it right and how expensive it can be when you get it wrong. Most product managers don’t receive training on IP strategy, yet the decisions you make daily have massive IP implications.
Our guest is David Carstens, who has a unique combination of technical depth and legal expertise. He’s a founding partner at Carstens, Allen & Gourley. He has dual engineering degrees, an MBA, and over 30 years experience protecting IP for companies building software, medical devices, and telecommunications products. He’s also an entrepreneur who founded multiple companies including a nationally chartered bank and an innovation platform, plus he’s been teaching IP law at SMU for three decades. David is currently investing in and speaking about the Fifth Industrial Revolution, making him well positioned to help us also understand how AI is reshaping IP strategy.
Summary of Concepts Discussed for Product Managers
IP Strategy Framework:
David mentions that there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” framework for IP strategy; it starts with assessing a company’s current position, identifying valuable innovations, evaluating what can realistically be protected, and aligning actions with budget constraints. Key steps include identifying strong value propositions, checking for existing patents or IP conflicts, and sometimes considering licensing or redesign if a competitor already owns relevant patents.
Timing and Collaboration:
Product managers should start thinking about IP early—preferably well before product launch or tooling investment. Collaborating with an IP attorney and creating a culture that values teamwork and knowledge sharing can help spot and protect innovations more effectively.
Patents, Trade Secrets, and Value:
Patents offer competitive advantages by providing pricing freedom, can act as bargaining assets, and are vital for companies seeking investment. Trade secrets, by contrast, are about keeping valuable information confidential (e.g., formulas or processes not disclosed publicly), but are only effective if the information can’t be easily reverse-engineered from the product.
Software & AI Challenges:
The fast pace of software development often complicates patent decisions. Patentability is more likely when software enables a genuinely novel technical process rather than automating routine tasks. For AI-generated content, copyright ownership is still unsettled; it usually depends on the degree of human contribution to the creative process. Legal systems are racing to catch up as AI shakes up traditional definitions of authorship and originality.
The Fifth Industrial Revolution and Legal Evolution:
David argues we’re entering a new industrial age defined by AI, blockchain, quantum computing, and advanced materials. The IP legal framework, largely unchanged for centuries, is struggling to keep pace with these rapid innovations, making adaptability and ongoing awareness essential for product managers.
Useful Link
- Learn more about Carstens, Allen & Gourley Intellectual Property Law Firm
Innovation Quote
“Pressure is a privilege.” – Billie Jean King
Application Questions
- At what point in your product development process do you typically involve IP considerations, and how might earlier engagement affect outcomes?
- How do you differentiate between an innovation worth patenting versus keeping as a trade secret in your product or technology stack?
- What internal processes or culture shifts could help your team better identify and protect intellectual property?
- How does the uncertainty around AI-generated content and copyright influence your use of AI tools in product development?
- What steps can you take to ensure your IP strategy remains effective as emerging tech (AI, blockchain, etc.) rapidly changes the innovation landscape?
Bio
David Carstens distinguishes himself not only through his comprehensive knowledge of legal protection of Intellectual Property (IP) but also through his innovative approaches to IP strategy and valuation. With an educational foundation that is as diverse as it is solid—holding bachelor’s degrees in both Electrical and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Dallas and Texas A&M University, respectively, a J.D. and an MBA from Southern Methodist University, along with completing the General Management Program at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania —David offers a distinctively strategic perspective in this specialized legal domain.
His multifaceted expertise demonstrates his capacity to transcend traditional legal strategies, offering his clients not just defense, but a competitive advantage in various industries including technology, medical devices, cosmetics, and telecommunications.
David is a founding partner of Carstens, Allen & Gourley and has been a pivotal figure on multiple boards. His ability to navigate the complexities of IP law, combined with his technical and business acumen, places him at the forefront of the field.
Thanks!
Thank you for taking the journey to product mastery and learning with me from the successes and failures of product innovators, managers, and developers. If you enjoyed the discussion, help out a fellow product manager by sharing it using the social media buttons you see below.
511 episodes
All episodes
×
Welcome to Player FM!
Player FM is scanning the web for high-quality podcasts for you to enjoy right now. It's the best podcast app and works on Android, iPhone, and the web. Signup to sync subscriptions across devices.
Similar to Product Mastery Now for Product Managers, Leaders, and Innovators
How can business help solve society’s biggest challenges? Welcome to Take on Tomorrow, the award-winning podcast from PwC that examines the biggest problems facing society and the role business can—and should—play in solving them. Hosts Femi Oke and Lizzie O’Leary talk to industry innovators, tech trailblazers and visionary leaders from around the globe about timely topics: from the climate transition to AI and data; and from the future of food to how we build, move and power the world.
…
continue reading
Rachel Cooke is your guide to leadership and communication, helping you craft a workplace environment you can feel good about. She’ll share tips to help you balance your work and personal life, effectively invest your time, and be mindful about where you’re devoting your energy. Let Rachel help you navigate your path to success—however you define it.
…
continue reading
Call them changemakers. Call them rule breakers. We call them Redefiners. And in this provocative podcast, we explore how daring leaders from across industries and around the globe are redefining their organizations—and themselves—to create extraordinary impact in today’s rapidly changing world. In each episode, Russell Reynolds Associates Leadership Advisor Hoda Tahoun and former CEO Clarke Murphy host engaging, purposeful conversations with leaders in and out of the business world who shar ...
…
continue reading
1
The Brutal Truth about Sales and Selling - We interview the world's best B2B Enterprise salespeople.
Brian Burns
9k286
No BS Allowed - Are you sick of empty suits telling you to work harder? - Learn about The Maverick Selling Method, which models the world's best salespeople and what they do differently. If you are in sales and are passionate about selling, you will like this podcast. The focus is on b2b sales and selling. If you are selling or in sales, this podcast is for you. I cover cold calling, spin selling, challenger sale, solution selling, and advanced selling skills. Strategic selling, LinkedIn, sa ...
…
continue reading
Some Goodness is hosted by Richard Ellis, a seasoned sales leader passionate about inviting top business minds to share their wisdom. Each episode is only 15-20 minutes, perfect for your commute or workout.
…
continue reading
A top podcast for healthcare leaders, with over one million downloads, Radio Advisory is your weekly download on how to untangle the industry's most pressing challenges to help leaders like you make the best business decisions for your organization. From unpacking major trends in care delivery—like site-of-care shifts and the rise of high-cost drugs—to demystifying stakeholder dynamics, to shining a spotlight on priorities that may get overlooked, we're here to help. Our hosts and seasoned r ...
…
continue reading
The Knowledge at Wharton Network Acast feed serves as a curated showcase highlighting the best content from our podcast collection. Each week, we feature one standout episode from each show in the Wharton Podcast Network, giving listeners a comprehensive sample of our diverse business and academic content. This rotating selection allows audiences to discover new shows within our network while experiencing the depth and variety of Wharton's thought leadership across different topics and forma ...
…
continue reading
Alessandro Bogliari, CEO and Co-Founder of The Influencer Marketing Factory, a global influencer marketing agency, talks with great guests about influencer marketing, social media, the creator economy, social commerce and much more.
…
continue reading
Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast. I've met so many brilliant people as I traveled the globe and have had some fascinating conversations that I've wished had been recorded so I could share them with you - this podcast was a way for me to recreate those moments and let you in on some fantastic insights. My current conversations center around one objective: what's next for companies and individuals as they look to innovate and grow. I hope these conversations inspire you as much as they have ...
…
continue reading
Tim Reid (AKA Timbo) interviews the most innovative founders in the world of small business. In this award winning podcast business owners share where their original business idea came from, how they got it to market and the strategies they used that led to their business’s unprecedented growth. Tim Reid's curiosity for what makes business owners tick and his passion for small business success means that every episode is chock full of marketing gold that will help you build that beautiful bu ...
…
continue reading
Player FM - Podcast App
Go offline with the Player FM app!
Go offline with the Player FM app!
