The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled that Google’s use of third parties’ trade marks in the operation of its AdWords system does not constitute trade mark infringement however, in some circumstances advertisers may commit an infringement where they use keywords which correspond to trade marks owned by third parties.

It is vital that both brand owners and advertisers are aware of fast developing laws concerning the use of keywords. This decision will be significant for brand owners seeking to protect their trade marks and advertisers who purchase keywords corresponding to competitors’ marks. To find out more please click here

The background to the decision was set out in our article “An Opinion on AdWords” published last year.

How to Enter
If you’re one of them, enter online for free and promote yourselves to the media, the digital media sector and the financial communities throughout UK and Europe.

Entry deadline: 1st March 2010

For more information and to enter please visit www.mediamomentum.co.uk

Kemp Little, BIMA’s legal partner, run a series of free HR Forums which are open to BIMA members. The informal sessions give you the opportunity to chat through any operational or employment issues you might be facing, to share experiences and hear the latest updates on the law that affects you.

We’d be delighted if you could join us, for further information please click on the event titles below. More dates will be released soon.

13 January 2009:                      Business immigration – maximising human capital

An update on the most recent developments in business immigration law, including changes being introduced in January 2010, which will make it more difficult for employers to employ non-EEA nationals in the UK

3 March 2010:                           TUPE - everything you need to know and more….

A session on the potential minefield that is TUPE, looking at when it applies and the particular issues that arise in the context of outsourcing, in-sourcing, off-shoring and business transfers.

TIME:                                       9.00-10.30am. Breakfast is provided from 8.30am.

PLACE:                                    Kemp Little LLP, Cheapside House, 138 Cheapside, London EC2V 6BJ (click here for a map).

Kemp Little has earned a reputation for top quality, cost effective delivery in the technology, media and telecoms sector that remains unsurpassed. The depth and range of our client base and experience give us the edge. That’s why we don’t just work with some of the world’s biggest TMT businesses. We also help growing brands you might not expect. Ambitious businesses who recognise that success in a world driven by technology means using lawyers who understand it. Businesses who want the best legal advice, delivered by people who are as entrepreneurial and focused as they are – on time and on budget. Sound familiar? Go to www.kemplittle.com and see why businesses with an eye on growth come to us.

This contentious question has, for some time, perplexed the national courts of various European countries. However, a recent opinion of Advocate General Poiares Madura (“AG”) has provided some guidance on the issue.

For a full opinion on the issue of whether the sale and purchase of brand names as keywords for Internet advertising constitutes trade mark infringement please visit our website: http://kemplittle.com/html/stay-posted/publications.html

Kemp Little LLP
In ten years of legal practice, Kemp Little has earned a reputation for top quality, cost effective delivery in the technology, media and telecoms sector that remains unsurpassed.

The depth and range of our client base and experience give us the edge. We offer real industry expertise in a world where yesterday’s knowledge is today’s commodity.

That’s why we don’t just work with some of the world’s biggest technology, media and telecoms businesses. We also work with businesses in sectors you may not expect, including financial services, manufacturing, music, professional services, the public sector, retail and travel.

Our clients, both large and small, recognise that success in a world driven by technology means using lawyers who understand it. Our goal is to provide clients with what they want -  the best legal advice, delivered by people who are as focused, entrepreneurial and commercial as they are, on time and on budget. 

Kemp Little specialises in advising clients on Commercial Technology, Competition & Regulatory, Corporate, Employment, Intellectual Property and Litigation matters.

www.kemplittle.com