More change in store: review of ICANN 54
As we come to the end of 2015, the transitional situation surrounding ICANN and its members looks set to continue, says Matt Serlin of MarkMonitor.
Feeding discontent: what the rise of one gTLD means for brands
The .feedback gTLD provides a new way for consumers to comment on and criticise brands, but not everyone is convinced by its business model. TBO reports.
How do pirates really think?
A chance encounter with an illegal downloader provided food for thought on the attitudes of some pirates. Liam Maddock, director of operations at anti-piracy service DMCA Force, tells TBO what he learned from their conversation.
IP infringement in China: dispelling the ‘Wild West’ myth
A recent report said that 40% of products sold online in China were counterfeit or “sub-standard”, raising fears that brand owners still face major challenges in protecting their IP. However, as TBO examines, there are reasons to be optimistic.
Google Books: the act of transformation
The Google Books copyright infringement case yielded a surprising result and all eyes are now on the Supreme Court, says Hillel Parness of Parness Law Firm.
Reviews and endorsements online: Key legal watch-outs for brands
The rise of vloggers—video bloggers—has attracted the attention of brands. However, despite the benefits an internet celebrity can bring to a brand there are also dangers. Dan Smith and Mathilda Davidson of Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co discuss why now is the time for advertisers to make sure they have their houses in order.
The dancing baby: three things you need to know
The decision in Lenz v Universal partly hinged on whether copyright owners need to demonstrate a ‘good faith belief’ that use of their material is infringing. J. Michael Keyes of Dorsey & Whitney examines the implications.
Tip of the iceberg: beneath the ‘surface web’
Charlie Abrahams, senior vice president at brand protection company MarkMonitor, explains what can be done to prevent brand infringements on the dark side of the web.
Politics and IP: a tough balance
Politicians, often under intense scrutiny, should be careful when asserting claims of IP infringement, even more so in the digital age. TBO reports.
Trademark parody: taking the mickey
Trademark parody is a form of art that everybody can relate to, and denying these parody artists would be a serious restriction of our freedom of expression, and also deny the world some hearty laughs. But it must be done with thought and care, says Miikka Timonen of TrademarkNow.