To kick off our programme of events in 2012, we’ll be discussing domain name disputes and online branding issues, including the use of trade marks as AdWords.

IP dispute specialist (and Bootlaw co-organiser) James Sweeting will be looking at the practical aspects of bringing and defending a domain name dispute.  As part of Pinsent Masons’ team working for Interflora on its ground breaking dispute with Marks and Spencer (see the press release here), James will give an update on the latest state of the law on bidding on trade marks for Google AdWords. All this plus other great practical insights and examples of branding and trade mark issues arising from their online use and abuse.

Bootlaw members can sign up here

James is a solicitor at Pinsent Masons LLP. He specialises in Intellectual Property law, particularly IP disputes.

A former barman and lifeguard, James is experienced at handing out friendly advice and then performing a dramatic rescue when the client ends up in deep water (having ignored earlier advice)… He now advises online businesses on all kinds of IP-related issues.  These range from cybersquatting and AdWord disputes to domain name disputes, trade mark infringements and copyright issues.  He works with clients in pre-action stages of disputes and has worked on cases which have gone all the way to the Court of Appeal.  He has also lectured widely about the commercial benefits and legal risks of businesses engaging with social media.It took James about a year to convince himself of the value of Twitter, but he has now does so and you can follow him @james_sweeting and through his LinkedIn page.

——————————————————————————–

The format of the evening will be, as usual:

6.30pm – Doors open, beer and networking

7pm – Legal bit starts.

8pm – Legal bit ends; more beer, pizza and networking.