Recent Developments in Trademark Law 2024

• Learn about the latest and most important developments in trademark law.
• For trademark novices, the discussion of each new development will include background on how that area of trademark law works.
• For experienced trademark practitioners, essential facets of the latest developments will be discussed along with accompanying best practices for handling them.

Trademark law evolves rapidly. Providing an update on the most important developments in trademark law occurring over the past year, this year’s program will review recent administrative changes at the USPTO, examine the relationship between trademarks and the first amendment, explore trademark dispute issues, and preview some big decisions on the horizon.

For trademark-law novices, within each development, the program will provide background concerning that area of trademark law. For experienced trademark law practitioners, each development will examine the important details of the development and best practices and practice pointers for handling it.

Join us for this essential annual program taught by John Farmer, an intellectual property attorney with more than 30 years of experience in trademark law. Mr. Farmer has taught a yearly update on recent developments in trademark law for Virginia CLE^® for more than 15 years.

Topics will include:

• Recent USPTO administrative developments that affect your practice, especially big fee changes
• The Free Speech Clause vs. Lanham Act restrictions on mark registration, and will trademark dilution law survive free speech scrutiny?
• Recent evolution on when a term or phrase fails to function as a mark and cannot be registered
• Pitfalls to avoid in seeking mark registration concerning establishing mark use or an intent to use
• Latest developments in the effectiveness of citing third-party mark registration and use evidence when litigating over mark registration rights
• Attacking a blocking registration by trying to pare back its goods/services—when does that work?
• Settlement and coexistence agreements—how to avoid barring your future mark policing efforts
• The Cutting Room Floor: Quick hits on other important developments
• Periscope: Big cases to watch

ATTENDING IN PERSON?

The Bobzien-Gaither Education Center in Richmond/Innsbrook is our new state-of-the-art facility designed with your safety in mind. It features a Centurion air filtration system, which quickly and effectively eliminates viruses and bacteria. Additionally, the facility is thoroughly cleaned before each seminar, and face masks and hand sanitizer will be available.

COVID-19 POLICY FOR LIVE-ON-SITE ATTENDANCE

By attending a live-on-site Virginia CLE^® seminar, you acknowledge the health risks associated with COVID-19 and that you MUST follow all Virginia CLE^® COVID-19 policies. You may NOT attend a live-on-site program if you have tested positive for COVID-19, if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or if you are under any self-quarantine orders per CDC guidelines.

Registration Deadlines:

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation/transfer requests will be honored until 5:00 p.m. the day preceding the seminar. You will, however, be charged $40 if you cancel or transfer your registration to a different seminar after the link to the materials has been e-mailed by Virginia CLE^®.

Full refunds or transfers are available up to two days after a webcast in the unlikely event that you experience technical difficulties.

Dietary Restrictions: If you have dietary restrictions and are attending the seminar in person, please email deanna.mcglothlin@vacle.org.

Inclement Weather Policy and Updates.

MCLE Credit Caveat: The MCLE Board measures credits by the time you spend in attendance. If you enter a seminar late or leave it early, or both, you must reflect those adjustments accurately in the credits you report on your credit reporting form. A code will be given at the end of the seminar, which must be written on your MCLE form.

Can’t Attend?

E-mail distance_ed@vacle.org to be notified when/if this program is made available as an online or USB seminar.
E-mail publications@vacle.org to be notified when/if this program’s seminar materials are made available for sale.