The 137th Annual Meeting of the International Trademark Association (INTA) convened from May 2–6, 2015, in San Diego, California, marking the largest gathering in the association’s history with nearly 10,000 attendees from over 150 countries . This landmark event brought together a diverse array of brand owners, legal professionals, consultants, and exhibitors to engage in discussions on the evolving landscape of trademark law and practice.
Key Themes and Highlights:
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Portrayal of Trademarks in Popular Culture: The meeting delved into how trademarks intersect with entertainment and advertising, exploring their representation in various media and the implications for brand protection .International Trademark Association
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Global Participation: Attendees hailed from regions including East Asia, the Pacific, the Middle East, South Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa, underscoring the event’s international scope and the global importance of trademark issues.JD Supra
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Educational Sessions: The program featured over 300 sessions, including panels on counterfeiting, trademark fair use, the expansion of generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs), and best practices in trademark licensing. Notably, a mock preliminary injunction hearing provided attendees with practical insights into litigation processes. JD SupraJAMS+1International Trademark Association+1
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Networking Opportunities: The event facilitated numerous networking events, receptions, and committee meetings, allowing professionals to forge connections and exchange ideas on trademark law and practice.
Notable Developments:
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.sucks gTLD Controversy: The promotion of the “.sucks” domain sparked debates on trademark extortion and brand protection strategies, highlighting the challenges posed by new gTLDs.
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B&B Hardware v. Hargis Industries Case: Discussions centered on the implications of this Supreme Court decision, which addressed the preclusive effect of Trademark Trial and Appeal Board decisions in subsequent litigation.
The 2015 INTA Annual Meeting not only set attendance records but also provided a comprehensive platform for education, discussion, and networking, reflecting the dynamic nature of trademark law in a globalized economy.
