The Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA) wants to teach designers how be expert witnesses in design infringement lawsuits. Here’s the pitch:

As an Expert Witness, you can help protect the integrity and exclusivity of award-winning designs. You can help convict copycats, protect those wrongly accused and influence court decisions with tens of millions of dollars riding on the outcome. However, a team of tough attorneys will try to discredit your testimony, undermine your credibility and make you look stupid on the witness stand. How can you protect your integrity?

The two day seminar will impart the following knowledge on it’s attendees.

• What is a design patent?
• What are the differences between design patents, utility patents, trademarks and copyrights?
• The expert witness’ analytical process, including how close is too close?
• Writing expert and rebuttal reports
• The details on depositions—what to say and what not to say
• How much can you charge as an expert witness?
• The design patent cases currently making the most waves

Honestly I think it’s a great idea and would consider doing it myself if not for (A) the mandatory 10 years in the industry requirement and (B) $2,000 is a pretty steep price for a resume booster. I mean it would be pretty nice to put “Industrial Deisgn Expert for Litigation” on a your list of accomplishments.