Over the last decade, the use of the internet has grown dramatically. With the popularity of the internet, new legal issues have arisen. The International Intellectual Property Society (“IIPS”) is pleased to announce that Scott M. Smedresman, Esq. will be addressing U.S. trademark rights concerning domestic and international abusive registration and use of internet domain names. Mr. Smedresman will present “Domain Name Litigation: In Rem Actions Against Foreign Registrants” on Thursday, February 11, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the offices of Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP at 150 East 42nd Street, New York, New York 10017. Refreshments will be served.
Scott M. Smedresman’s practice focuses on intellectual property litigation and counseling. Mr. Smedresman has represented both public and private entities in a diverse array of intellectual property matters, including domestic and international trademark prosecution, usage and litigation; litigation and counseling related to domain names, internet advertising, cybersquatting, website terms of use, privacy policies, data usage, security and other technology issues; copyright clearance and protection; and various related licensing and transactional matters. Mr. Smedresman has successfully enforced trademark rights against domestic and foreign cybersquatters through UDRP proceedings and litigation, and is the co-author of a number of technology law articles, including, Internet Risk Management (Intellectual Property & Technology Law Journal, Vol. 20, No. 11, Nov. 2008) and Attorney Web Sites, Ethical Issues are Only the Beginning (New York State Bar Association Journal, Vol. 81, No. 5, June 2009 (Cover Story)). Mr. Smedresman attended Fordham Law School, and is admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey.
The presentation will focus on enforcing United States trademark rights against foreign registrants of gTLD (generic top-level domain names such as .com, .edu, and .gov) and ccTLD (country code top-level domain names such as .eu, .de, .uk) domain names. Issues to be discussed include the mechanics of initiating and prosecuting an in rem litigation in the United States against a domain name registered by a foreign registrant. This will include the proper venues in which these cases can be brought, the manner in which service is effectuated, the grounds upon which an in rem case can be brought and the remedies that may be available.
The fee for non-members is $20. Admission for law school students is $10. The nominal $60 annual membership dues fee may be enclosed with the membership application. Membership entitles you to attend other regular meetings during the September 2009 - September 2010 year at no charge. If you would like to reserve your space and/or pay at the door, or if you have any questions about this program, please contact Frederick J. Dorchak at fdorchak@collardroe.com.
As with IIPS programs in general, NY CLE credit will be offered. This seminar will provide 2 transitional /non-transitional (Skills) CLE Credits. Mail the Membership Form with annual dues, or meeting payment by Thursday, February 4, 2010, to Harris Wolin at Myers Wolin, LLC, 100 Headquarters Plaza, Morristown, NJ 07960.
We look forward to seeing you in January and at other upcoming events and, as in the past, invite comments and suggestions for programs that might be of interest to you.
Sincerely,
Frederick J. Dorchak
IIPS President