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Dayton Docket

PILT Rocks The World Of Technology Law

Their case has received international attention and is expected to be decided soon by the U.S. Supreme Court, but first they discussed it at the University of Dayton School of Law’s Program In Law and Technology Seminar.

John C. Connell and Ronald D. Coleman with Archer & Greiner P.C. in Haddonfield, N.J., who represented Simon Tam and his rock band The Slants in their disparaging trademarks case before the Supreme Court, talked about the possible implications of the case on trademarks' law at the 27th annual PILT Seminar at the School of Law.

"It's sort of being like an expectant father," Connell says about waiting on the decision.

Connell believes the case could have a significant impact on trademark practice nationwide.

"Whether or not language is socially appropriate is certainly something worth discussing, but in the context of social discourse not as arbitrated by the courts," Connell says. "I think most attorneys appreciate that kind of First Amendment protection that should be extended to mark holders of disparaging marks."

Other topics discussed at the seminar included the copyright infringement lawsuit involving Madonna's song "Vogue," patent enforcement in the wake of the Samsung v. Apple lawsuit, smart homes and the importance of privacy and security.

"We had a whole array of different topics going on," says PILT director Professor Tracy Reilly. "I think everybody walked away having learned quite a bit."

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