This year’s theme—brands and the socially concerned consumer—was developed by the Meeting’s co-chairs, Katrina Burchell of Unilever and David Grace of Loeb & Loeb. “It is very topical for in-house attorneys at the moment. If you talk to people at big companies they’ll tell you that they’re spending lots of time on environmental issues and consumers’ desire to have environmentally and socially responsible brands,” says Grace.
And Burchell argues that despite the economic downturn, which has made many consumers focus more on their pocketbooks than their social conscience when it comes to buying products, the trend represents a long-term shift in attitude that is here to stay.
The two have spent two years working with a team of INTA volunteers and staff to plan a program to provide attendees with the latest thinking on how brands and trademarks are affected by this new consumer-led trend and how it might affect IP lawyers and their everyday practice. Burchell herself will be a panelist at a flagship session entitled Brands and the Socially Concerned Consumer on Monday.
Other key sessions include a panel talk on Tuesday that should be essential listening for trademark practitioners with an interest in the emerging markets of the BRIC countries. Panelists will outline the latest ways that you can protect, enforce and exploit your rights in Brazil, Russia, India and China.
For those with their eyes on the U.S. market, Burchell recommends the ever-popular Annual Review of U.S. Federal Case Law and Trademark Trial and Appeal Board Developments, which she says will “condense a year’s worth of major case law into 75 minutes.”
Grace says he is looking forward to those sessions dealing with cutting-edge trademark issues such as brands on the Internet and the new gTLDs. “There really is something for everyone and if the weather cooperates then Seattle is really one of the most beautiful cities in the U.S. It’s very easy to get around and it’s a fun city. Combine that with a conference that’s fun to go to and it’s going to make for a great time.”
Strong attendance for 131st Annual Meeting
As of April 24, 7,358 individuals from 136 countries had registered for INTA’s 131st Annual Meeting in Seattle, with more expected to sign up onsite.
Despite a struggling global economy, members and non-members alike made certain to be a part of this year’s Annual Meeting. This commitment underscores the value not only of attending the Meeting, but also of being a part of the largest IP association in the world.
This year, the United States has the largest representation with 2,612 attendees. Overall, many more attendees—4,746—come from other countries. Also this year, the Annual Meeting is expected to see 40 members of the press and more than 45 professor and student members.
