Greenville, S.C., July 16, 2025 – Dority & Manning recently partnered with NextGEN Greenville to host “Unlock Your IP,” an interactive workshop designed to help innovators understand how to identify, protect, and manage their intellectual property (IP).

Led by Erik Sivertson and Lillian Fant, the session offered a high-level overview of the different forms of IP (trade secrets, patents, trademarks, copyrights) and highlighted common pain points for entrepreneurs.

When asked about her motivation for partnering with NextGEN, Lillian shared:

As someone who grew up in Greenville, I’m incredibly proud to call this community home, which makes giving back especially meaningful. Partnering with NextGEN Greenville was a fantastic opportunity to connect with local entrepreneurs on how to safeguard their innovations, covering the fundamentals of IP protection and clarifying when to best engage an attorney for help.”

Attendees gained practical insights into what they can protect as well as flagging when they should seek expert legal advice. Dority & Manning is proud to support Greenville’s thriving start-up community and contribute to its ongoing innovation and success.

About the Presenters

Erik Sivertson has experience managing global patent portfolios for clients within a wide range of industries. He works with U.S. and international clients to offer expert counsel and develop successful patent prosecution strategies to advance their commercial agenda. His practice focuses on electrical and computer-implemented subject matter, with experience spanning various segments of this industry including software, AI/ML, business intelligence, IoT, 5G telecommunications, and autonomous robotics. Erik serves as outside counsel for the world’s largest ridesharing company. Additionally, he works with companies developing state-of-the-art technologies for emerging industries including electric aircraft.

Lillian Fant represents a variety of clients, from small, start-up organizations to large, Fortune 100 corporations. Lillian drafts and prosecutes patent applications within the electrical and software arts, specifically focusing on technologies such as computer hardware and software, autonomous vehicles, 5G networks, robotics, and electronic devices & components.

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