Carol Gormley. FRKelly. Ireland
 

PART 1 - SIGN OF THE MODERN TIMES
Opportunities and threats of branding in social media: The speakers in this session will look at the various facets of social media, the opportunities that it provides companies and brands, together with the dangers all too present with the potential for losing control of your brand. They will consider how brands can exploit social media, trade mark issues and the popularity of user names. In addition an analysis of the developing world of mobile advertising issues, including potential concerns in augmented reality-based adverting, and the trade mark questions that these platforms may present for brand owners will be addressed.

SESSION CHAIR:
Claus Eckhartt, Bardehle Pagenberg, Germany
Member of the MARQUES Programming Team

SPEAKERS:
Stacey King, Richemont, U K
 
Sahira Khwaja, Hogan Lovells LLP, U K
 

PART 2 - SIGNS WITHOUT WORDS
Whilst some practitioners think word marks reign supreme, the Court of Justice has confirmed the registrability of so-called non-traditional trade marks, and with the decision in PepsiCo v GrupoPromer, registered and unregistered designs are coming into their own in Europe. This session looks at some of the additional ways to reach consumers without words, such as non-traditional trade marks (including 3D marks, colours per se and fluid marks) and designs as well as the impact of decisions like L'Oreal v Bellure on the policing of look-alikes.

SESSION CHAIR:
Sarah Bailey, Simmons & Simmons LLP, U K
Member of the MARQUES Regulatory Team

SPEAKERS:
Lisa Pearson, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, USA
Chair of the MARQUES IP Outer Borders Team
 
Sebastian Fischoeder, Bird & Bird LLP, Germany
Member of the MARQUES Designs Team
 
Cristina Duch, Baker & McKenzie, Spain
Member of the MARQUES Unfair Competition Team
 

PART 3 - ENFORCING YOUR SIGN
The session will focus on enforcing rights in civil litigation with an emphasis on European trade mark litigation strategies. Speakers will debate whether arbitration is a solution and if so for which cases. They will also discuss forum shopping in Europe, considering different approaches to costs and damages.

SESSION CHAIR:
Karin Pomaizlová, Karin Pomaizlová Law Firm, Czech Republic
Member of the MARQUES Programming Team

SPEAKERS:
Alexander von Mühlendahl, Bardehle Pagenberg, Germany

Guido Baumgartner, Coty Germany GmbH, Germany
Member of the MARQUES Council and the China Team

Philippe Péters, NautaDutilh, Belgium
Member of the MARQUES Programming Team
 

PART 4 - COPYING THE SIGN
Speakers in this panel will discuss the question: A trial separation for the good of both partners – should we do more to take the IP out of counterfeiting and piracy?

SESSION CHAIR:
John Anderson, Pakharenko & Partners, UK
Vice-Chair of the MARQUES Anti Counterfeiting & Parallel Trade Team

SPEAKERS:
Chris Oldknow, Microsoft Europe, UK

Patricia McGovern, DFMG Solicitors, Ireland
Member of the MARQUES Anti-Counterfeiting & Parallel Trade Team