Five sessions to watch out for at INTA San Diego
What: Taking the ball and running with a pro bono case like the Redskins trademark cancellation action
When: Saturday May 2, 2.30pm–3.45pm
Where: CSA51
Who: Jennifer Sheehan Anderson moderator), Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn;
Wilson Brown, Drinker Biddle & Reath;
Megan Carpenter, Texas A&M University School of Law; and Robert Pimm, California Lawyers for the Arts
Level: Intermediate
More: When the panel discusses the Washington Redskins case, it will be nearly a year since the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board revoked six of the club’s registrations for being disparaging and offensive. With the dispute continuing, speakers will assess issues such as types of resources available at law schools that can be used in trademark pro bono cases, and how a law firm would decide whether to take it on, INTA says. says.
What: Industry breakout: Sports and entertainment—the intersection of the First Amendment, the Lanham Act and state rights of publicity
When: Tuesday May 5, 10.15am–11.30am
Where: IT01
Who: Claire Kimball (moderator), Turner Broadcasting System; Vineeta Gajwani, Electronic Arts; Robert Lee, Alston & Bird;
and Patrick Perkins, Warner Bros
Level: Intermediate
More: Comprising some well-known brand owners, this panel will assess the effects of recent rulings in the sports and entertainment industries, including whether they have had a “chilling effect” on creative expression.
According to INTA: “Speakers will discuss how First Amendment protections should be balanced against an individual’s right of publicity and trademark concerns.
They will examine which outcomes benefit consumers and whether those same outcomes benefit brand owners.”
What: Is fair use always fair? International approaches to fair use issues in a mobile world
When: Monday May 4, 3.30pm–4.45pm
Where: CM50
Who: Gavin Charlston (moderator), Google; Stephen Jadie Coates, Twitter; Sung-Nam Kim, Kim & Chang; Andrea Sander, Microsoft; and Cornelia Schmitt, Grünecker
Level: Intermediate
More: Three big technology hitters will be at this session, likely to be one of the most popular discussions on day three. The panel will focus on fair use principles from a global perspective, and global it should be—countries represented here include the US, South Korea and Germany.
What: Are “not so well-known” trademarks protectable in China?
When: Wednesday May 6, 11.45am–13.00pm
Where: CW20
Who: Shirley Kwok (moderator), Ribeiro Hui; Minnie Alexander, Campbell Soup Company; Karen Law, Alibaba Group; Emmanuelle Prono, Techtronic Industries, and Judge Wang Yanfang, SPC IP Tribunal
Level: Advanced
More:This session has a clear Chinese flavour, and is likely to be well attended given the strong trademark focus on the Eastern nation, not to mention INTA’s increasing internationalisation.
As INTA says, China has legislative protection for well-known trademarks, but “many foreign brands” that have a strong reputation in their home jurisdictions do not reach the high threshold of well-known in China.
What: Opening ceremony and keynote address
When: Sunday May 3, 4pm–5.15pm
Where: CSU50
Who: J. Scott Evans and Etienne Sanz de Acedo
Level: N/A
More: J. Scott Evans, INTA’s president for 2015 (see WIPR interview on page 40) joins chief executive Etienne Sanz de Acedo to share their vision for this year. Generally seen as the kick-start for the meeting (despite not taking place on the first day), the addresses will also discuss INTA’s impact on the IP industry.
