Media Mentions
2009
Joanne Ludovici-Lint was quoted in a November 30 Law360 examination of how social networking web sites are changing trademark enforcement. Although the risk of trademark infringement on such sites is great, Ms. Ludovici-Lint advises clients to be cautious in pursuing infringers. “Trademark owners have to be more careful how they go after social media users,” she said. “How a company responds can get out so quickly and will be broadcast to millions.” If a site user is just misspelling a brand, not misusing or counterfeiting it, a simple letter pointing out the error often is the best course. “I tell clients to only write what they want to see come back in public,” Ms. Ludovici-Lint said. “You don’t want to alienate your core demographic.”
Joanne Ludovici-Lint, e-Business, e-Business - IP, Intellectual Property, Trademark/Brand Protection & Enforcement
Peter Townshend spoke to the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal about his use of the Twitter social networking tool. “It’s a fantastic way to keep up with clients on a personal level – to know what’s going on in their lives,” he said. Mr. Townshend advises private equity investors and emerging technology companies. The story notes that neither McDermott nor other major law firms have fashioned specific guidance on the use of social media.
, Corporate, e-Business, Intellectual Property
2008
Stephen M. Ryan was quoted in the April 28 edition of Security Fix, a Washington Post blog, in an article regarding the alleged hijacking of IP space by e-mail marketers closely associated with Scott Richter, an alleged spammer who has been sued by both Microsoft and MySpace. Scott Richter is the CEO of Media Breakaway, a company that Spamhaus claims hijacked IP space from San Francisco Bay Packet Radio. Spamhaus claims that the IP space should be revoked under the rules set out by the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN). As ARIN's General Counsel, Mr. Ryan said, "The matter has come to ARIN's attention, it is under review, and at this point I can't say more except that we're looking at it very diligently."
2007
Stephen Ryan was quoted in Government Computer News (GCN) on February 5 regarding the Defense Department receiving its Ipv6 addresses from the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN). "When an existing customer has an IPv4 agreement, all they have to do is request v6 addresses and pay for the service. There is no need for a new agreement." He also notes "When people pay for this, they are paying for a service, DOD or anyone else will not own the numbers, but have the right to use them for as long as the contract remains in force and the department needs them."
Stephen M. Ryan, e-Business, Government Strategies
2002
Art Rosen was quoted in, "Setback in State Sales-Tax Plan Hurts Push for Levies on Web Sales," published in the July 15 issue of The Wall Street Journal. The effort to simplify state sales tax, which was to be a precursor to convincing Congress to allow states to tax internet transactions, hit a setback when retailers and state officials could not come to agreement on a uniform tax code. Mr. Rosen commented that whatever they do come up with needs to be a "harmonization among the states." Currently, Mr. Rosen said, the states are considering a "subjective, mushy standard" that won't win the backing of the business community.
Arthur R. Rosen, e-Business, State & Local Tax, Tax
2001
Jim Sneed, noted as an attorney who represents tech firms, was quoted in the May 29 issue ofUSA Today regarding recent claims of deceptive advertising practices by high-tech firms. Mr. Sneed noted that the FTC has issued advertising policies and legal guidance for the tech industry. Tech companies would be "well-advised to follow that guidance."
