Information Meeting on the Role and Responsibility of Internet Intermediaries in the Field of Trademarks

08.30 - 9.30

Registration

09.30 - 10.00

Opening remarks by the Director General, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Geneva, Switzerland
 

10.00 - 11.15

Session 1: Internet Intermediaries:  Does One Definition Fit All?  

The term Internet Intermediary is often broadly used to describe operators offering various services on the Internet. However, it is widely recognized that these services can differ considerably and depending on the specific service offered, the operator may be more or less actively involved in treating data. This panel will describe some of the existing forms of Internet Intermediaries, to what extent they actively or passively handle data and how this potentially impacts on trademark rights.

Moderator: Mr. Marcus Höpperger, Director, Law and Legislative Advice Division, Brands and Designs Sector, WIPO 

Speakers: 

• Professor Cédric Manara, EDHEC Business School (LegalEDHEC Research Center); Paris
• Mr. Markus Kummer, Vice President, Public Policy, Internet Society (ISOC), Geneva, Switzerland

11.15 - 11.45

Tea/Coffee
 

11.45 - 13.00
 

Session 2: The Use of Trademarks on the Internet:  Problems and Solutions (i)

The constant development of the Internet as a means for doing business has seen a number of commercial practices that have a potential effect on trademark rights. Special legislative provisions offering “safe harbors” for Internet Intermediaries, as well as the idea of extending notice and take down procedures (which already exist in the field of copyright) to situations of alleged trademark infringement, are often mentioned as possible solutions that would enable continued Internet business development, while at the same time, safeguarding the legitimate interests of trademark owners. Other possible solutions consist of informal industry agreements or Public-Private-Partnerships (PPPs). This Panel will present and discuss some of those solutions.

Moderator: Professor Martin Senftleben, VU University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam

Speakers: 

• Ms. Severine Abis, Procter & Gamble International Operations S.A., Member of MARQUES Cyberspace Team, The European Association of Trade Mark Owners (MARQUES), Geneva, Switzerland 
• Mr. Jean Bergevin, Head of Unit, DG Internal Market, European Commission, Brussels
• Mr. David Ho, Legal Counsel, Alibaba.com China Limited, Hong Kong China SAC

13.00 - 15.00
 

Lunch

15.00 - 16.15
 

Session 3: The Use of Trademarks on the Internet:  Problems and  Solutions (ii)

Moderator: Professor Martin Senftleben

Speakers: 

• Mr. Juan E. Vanrell, Secretary, Interamerican Association for Intellectual Property (ASIPI), Montevideo
• Mr. Kijoong Song, Deputy Director, Multilateral Affairs Division, Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
• Ms. Terri Chen, Legal Director, Trademarks, Google Inc., California, United States of America

16.15 - 16.45

Tea/Coffee 

16.45 - 18.00

Session 4: The Use of Trademarks on the Internet:  A Need for  Regulatory Action at the International Level?

It is well accepted that - because of its global nature - the Internet transcends national boundaries. Self regulation, alternative dispute resolution, and national and regional legislation present different approaches to addressing this reality. Against this background, the question is asked whether there is a need for regulatory action at the international level and, if yes, what its nature could be.

Moderator: Mr. Marcus Höpperger

Speakers: 

• Ms. Carole Aubert, Head of Internet Unit, Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, Bienne, Switzerland
• Mr. Nick Ashton-Hart, Geneva Representative, Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA), Geneva, Switzerland
• Mr. Konstantinos Komaitis, Policy Advisor, Public Policy, Internet Society (ISOC), Geneva, Switzerland

18.00