News From the Innovation Law Center

Innovation Law Center

Innovation Law Center

The ILC is the designated NYS Science & Technology Law Center. It is funded by the Empire State Development Corp. to provide information and research on legal issues relevant to the technology commercialization process. Research is available to early-stage companies, research centers, economic development agencies, technology transfer offices and researchers throughout New York State.  Research on the intellectual property, competitive and market landscapes relevant to a new technology are completed by law and business students under supervision of faculty. 

If you are interested in having the ILC complete research, please submit a request here.

Student-Led Teams Present to ILC Clients

This month, we welcome back our students for the spring semester, where as part of LAW 815, they will begin researching and analyzing new clients’ technologies. Students will explore a range of legal, regulatory, and intellectual property challenges, applying their findings to real-world issues. This hands-on learning experience provides an excellent opportunity to collaborate with clients and gain valuable insights while further developing their skills for the future. We’re excited for what’s ahead and look forward to another semester.

IP / Regulatory Law Watch

Authors Accuse Meta of Using Pirated Books to Train AI, Seek to Amend Lawsuit

A group of authors, including Ta-Nehisi Coates and Sarah Silverman, filed new court papers accusing Meta Platforms of using pirated versions of their books to train its AI systems, with approval from CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The authors allege that Meta knowingly used the LibGen dataset, which contains pirated works, to train its Llama language model. They are seeking to update their lawsuit with new claims, including computer fraud and the improper removal of copyright management information. The case is part of broader litigation involving the use of copyrighted materials to train AI systems without permission. The authors’ new filings come as a judge allowed them to amend their complaint, although he expressed skepticism about the new claims. Read more about the case here.

Around NY State

CNYBAC Medical Device Innovation Challenge

The CNY Biotech Accelerator (CNYBAC) is now accepting applications for its 2025 Medical Device Innovation Challenge (MDIC), supported by a NYS Empire State Development grant. This marks the 9th year of the program, which has graduated 42 innovation teams. Up to five teams will be selected to receive mentorship, commercialization education, and access to resources like I-Corps regional courses, university engineering programs, and manufacturing support. Additionally, selected teams will receive commercialization research from The Innovation Law Center at Syracuse University. Applications are due by March 15, 2025. Read more about the program here.

Empire State Development Announces Application Window Open For Round Nine Of Genius NY Accelerator

Empire State Development (ESD) announced that the GENIUS NY program is now accepting applications for its ninth round. GENIUS NY, the world’s largest business accelerator focused on uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), will invest over $3 million in five finalist companies, including a $1 million grand prize. The program, which requires participants to operate in Central New York for at least one year, is part of the CNY Rising Upstate Revitalization Initiative. Finalists will have access to a newly renovated innovation hub in Syracuse, offering resources and mentorship to help startups scale. Applications are open through May 28, 2025, and the selected teams will begin in-person programming in August 2025. Since its inception, GENIUS NY has attracted 42 startups and invested nearly $24 million, contributing to Central New York’s growing UAS industry. Read more about the program here.

Upcoming Events

LaunchPad Entrepreneur Lock-in

• What: Entrepreneurial business simulation.
• Where: Bird Library, 1st Floor
• When: January 17, 4:30 pm-9:30 pm

NextCorps Hardware Accelerator: Medical Device Regulation

• What: Talk about medical device innovation and start-up company decisions to be confirmed early in the commercialization process.
• Where: Virtual, click here to learn more or for more information on this event.
• When: January 27, 2025 @ 1:00 pm

Do you have an event or schedule you would like to advertise? Contact Karen Scullion at nysstlc@syr.edu to share it in our next monthly newsletter. 

Funding Opportunities

From early-stage non-dilutive funding to tax benefits and investment funds, NYS has a number of funding resources for inventors and entrepreneurs. Check out the links below for more information:

• USPTO Law School Clinic Certification Program
  • The USPTO has a directory for participating law schools throughout the U.S.
• VLA Patent Pro Bono Program
  • Volunteer Lawyers of the Arts helps inventors in the NYC area with drafting patent applications.
• Empire State Development
  • ESD offers several resources, including: Start-UP NY, the Innovate NY Fund, NY Ventures, and the Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). 
• FuzeHub
  • This company points to a collection of resources for manufacturing and technology start-ups.
• 43North
  • 43North annually invests in startup companies located in Buffalo, NY.
• Pursuit Lending
  • Pursuit provides loans and information for small business owners in NY.
• America’s Seed Fund
  • The National Science Foundation (NSF) invests in early-stage projects with this fund.
• NYS Investment Entities, Including:
  • Cayuga Venture Fund 
  • Excell Partners 
  • ff Venture Capital 
  • Golden Seeds 
  • Partnership Fund for NYC 
  • SCP Incubators / Z80 Labs 
  • Stonehenge Capital  

Questions or Suggestions: Contact Innovation Review Editor Patrick Cramer at nysstlc@syr.edu