text:
I've only ever told one best friend, my mom and the police about the first time I experienced physical abuse with my ex. They don't even know the half of it. That is probably because at the time he convinced me that what happened was in fact, not abuse. Now if you look abuse up online you'll read that it is "the improper use of something". If you look up physical abuse, google says that it is "any intentional and unwanted contact with you or something close to your body. Sometimes abusive behavior does not cause pain or even leave a bruise, but it's still unhealthy. Examples of physical abuse include: Scratching, punching, biting, strangling or kicking". Trust me, I experienced all of those with him and it all started one weekend in Vegas.
The first time blindsided me. I guess that's the reason that I let it go so easily. I felt that it didn't really happen. It just felt like a bad dream that I woke up from. The first time was about 7 months into the relationship. We were on a trip with his fraternity in Las Vegas. The weekend started off right away with a huge fight. And guess how stupid this fight was. Insanely stupid. We were at the pool and I decided that I should socialize with the other dates. I'm usually pretty anti-social with other girls and wanted to branch out and be nice. I met one date who's date was ignoring her a bit and so I decided to try and hangout with her. We were pretty sober and everyone else seemed pretty intoxicated so we decided to go to one of the bathrooms to drink some of our own alcohol. (since drinks in Vegas are $55 for a sip of alcohol). He asked where we were going and I told him " Don't worry, just going to the bathroom". He automatically assumed that "the bathroom" was code word for something sketchy. He automatically was FURIOUS. Now if you know my ex, you know how his temper was. I continually reassured him that I were going to "the bathroom" with a new friend. We knew each other pretty well at this point and I assumed he knew that I was likely going to get a drink. Now when I look back I realize that he probably wasn't comfortable with it being a new person that I was going with. He, like most emotional and physical abusers, are controlling that way. He followed us out of the pool area. I should say stormed out, not followed. Because he STORMED out after me. He grabbed my arm and began yelling in front of everyone. I can't remember exactly what he said, but I did know that he was going to ruin the rest of my day. He said that I was terrible and up to no good and that he wanted nothing to do with me for the rest of the weekend. When your faced with this situation, you just think "hey, he's probably just really drunk". So he yelled and yelled at me in front of all of our friends and their dates. He stormed up to the room and I of course I followed right up after.What followed afterwords was a full 40 or so minutes of yelling. All I can remember from the fight was how much I apologized. All I can remember was saying I was being careless and it was my fault I didn't clarify anything to him. The girl I was talking to was watching the whole fight downstairs. I remember her saying that no guy should treat me that way. That he was an asshole and seemed a bit crazy. But I said it's ok, it's just how he is. He loves me a lot, we've just been together a long time and we fight. That it was my fault because I was the one who didn't clarify where I was going. I look back now and realize that this is how he got me to stay. He would yell at me for hours and I would apologize and crawl right back into his arms. So i apologized and said how stupid I was, yet again and the fight for the day was over.
Thinking back on this day, I realize how manipulative he was. That's how they rope you in and get you to stay. They find someone who is compassionate and caring. He chose me because I am everything he wasn't. He was harsh, violent and brutal. I made up for all of the qualities he lacked. I made him feel like he was a better person because he was with someone that was sincere and understanding. I made him feel like a better person because he knew he was with someone he could manipulate. He knew that I would tolerate his abuse and I would be compassionate enough to try and fix him. I fell in love with a lie. I fell in love with someone who knew I would blame myself for his insane and abusive behavior.
The next, and final night was when it really happened. Now if you were there, you probably remember how he was acting that night. He was drugged out and drunk as ever. Nothing new. It got pretty late in the night and we decided to go explore the suite. He ended up leaving me asleep on the bed upstairs in one of the rooms (this may also be the time to tell everyone that I may actually have narcolepsy and that's why I fall asleep in about 2 seconds). We were leaving in the morning super early and since I passed out without warning we had no alarms set. I knew that we would probably get left behind if we didn't get up and moving. I woke up in a frantic that morning, not knowing what time it was and scared that the bus was going to leave us in Vegas. It was about 7:30 and I think we were leaving around 8/8:30 so of course, I panicked. I turned to him and tried to wake him up but he wasn't budging. I continued to try and tap him to wake him up. I was quietly whispering his name when he flipped around in about a second.
Next thing I know I was pinned to the bed and getting pounded on the back of my head. Full fist and everything. I don't even remember how I ended up there. I just remember being hit. I tried to stand up to run away, but he came after me. I was shoved to the floor with full force. I can't even remember the details because it was such a blur. I don't even remember if he said anything at all. I do remember the way he was looking at me. His eyes were wide open and blood shot but he didn't seem to be in there. It was like in Zootopia when the animals get shot with the poisonous berries and turn rabid. He was the otter. He seemed gentle and kind, but in that moment he was crazed and confused. I continued to yell stop. Stop. Stop. But he kept going. Every time I stood up I was pushed back down onto the ground. At one point I stood up and my knees buckled under me and the world went black for a second. I'm still not sure if I fainted or if I was in shock.
After finally crawling away, with tears streaming down my face, he ran downstairs. I of course, stormed after him.
We returned back to our room in silence, me quietly wiping my tears away slowly following behind him. My head was beginning to throb and my back felt like I had been hit with a soccer ball in the middle of winter. When we got back to the room however, he was calm. It was like the entire thing had never happened. We silently packed up and went downstairs. The entire time I was holding back the waterworks.
Once we were on the bus I finally mentioned the situation. He seemed confused. Like he wasn't the one who just beat me to the ground. "I did what"? He said. I still don't know if that was his trick to get me to stay, or he really wasn't himself when he was having an episode. He must have been a pretty good actor because he convinced me that he wasn't fully aware of what he was doing. "I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm so stupid" "I didn't know what I was doing".
I forgave him. Of course. He had a rough childhood, it must have been that, is what I told myself. He must have not been aware of what he was doing. He didn't mean to do it. He told me it wasn't abuse. It wasn't an abusive relationship. He didn't mean to do it, so in turn, it wasn't abuse.
But that's the thing. He always meant to do it. He knew exactly what he was doing. And who he was doing to. He knew I was the one who felt bad for him.
And so that's what began my mission to try and save the man that wasn't savable. To try and save the man who would eventually almost ruin my life.


text:
21st May 2016 - 25th May 2016
Orange County Convention Center, Florida, USA
Meeting Highlights:
•More than 300 customized educational offerings, including 33 general educational sessions, more than 225 Table Topics, users group meetings with leaders from several national and regional trademark offices, a two-day course on International Trademark Law and Practice with 18 course segments, a two-day Advanced Mediation Training, new Academic Series, Career Development Day, the Trademark Administrators Brunch and more!
•Special offerings for IP professionals at corporations of all sizes, including the In-House Practitioner Workshop and Luncheon, the In-House Practitioners Reception, 10 Industry Exchanges and a new Anti-Counterfeiting Day program on Saturday, May 21.
•Opportunities to collect CLE credits from all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia and CPD points from several international law societies.
•A one-day workshop exclusively for IP Office representatives on Tuesday, May 24.
•More than 30 official networking events, including the Sunday evening Opening Ceremony and Welcome Reception, 17 paid networking excursions, Speed Networking, Annual Meeting Registrant First Time Orientation and Reception, a new and exclusive INTA concert at the House of Blues, and the Grand Finale.
•Exhibition hall with more than 100 exhibitors and numerous sponsorship opportunities.
•Over 100 committee, project team and Global Advisory Council meetings for the new committee term (2016–2017).
•Numerous meeting conveniences, including hassle-free ways to conduct business in the Orange County Convention Center by booking one of three different types of meeting spaces.
•Complimentary shuttle services at designated INTA-affiliated hotels and the Orange County Convention Center!
Stay tuned for more information on new offerings and meeting highlights.
Saturday, May 21
8:00 am–5:30 pm
Advanced Mediation Training
(Day 1; advance registration required; CLE credit available)
INTA's two–day mediation training course teaches the detailed process of mediation, including how to assist the parties in applying a negotiation framework, defining the issues, focusing on the parties' interests and developing options that satisfy both parties and lead to a lasting resolution. You will learn the skills and techniques to become a proficient mediator, including questioning and communication techniques, overcoming barriers to agreement, and more.
This course will be based on teacher presentations and demonstrations, videos and small–group simulations. Over the course of the training, each participant will practice his or her new skills by acting as the mediator during part of a simulated mediation. Trainers will observe and comment on the simulations as they progress. Each participant will receive specific written feedback from a trainer.
Fee: US $1,750 (for a two-day program)
The registration fee includes breakfast, lunch, CLE and course materials. Participants MUST commit themselves to attending the full two–day program. Tickets for admission to this event will not be sold onsite. Registration is limited to 24 participants.
8:00 am–5:00 pm
Course on International Trademark Law and Practice
(Day 1; advance registration required; CLE credit available)
This course is designed to provide a comparative analysis of trademark law and practice in countries around the world. Depending on the topic, the focus will vary from historical, philosophical and legal perspectives to practical "how to" tips and advice. Each international jurisdiction covered in the course will be taught by a professor or practitioner from that region. Practitioners new to trademark law, law and paralegal students, trademark administrators and in-house counsel seeking to obtain a well–rounded overview of trademark law and practice from around the globe are encouraged to attend.
Fee: US $650 (for a two-day program)
The registration fee includes breakfast, lunch, CLE and course materials. Participants MUST commit themselves to attending the full two–day program. Tickets for admission to this event will not be sold onsite.
9:00 am–5:00 pm
Board of Directors Meeting
9:00 am–5:00 pm
Career Development Day
9:00 am–7:00 pm
Registration and Hospitality
11:00 am–5:30 pm
Workshop: Anticounterfeiting Solutions for Brand Owners
(By invitation only to in-house practitioners)
SAVE THE DATE! This program will include helpful information about the anticounterfeiting resources offered by INTA and other public and private organizations, provide valuable networking opportunities and insights into the voluntary collaborations with online platforms to combat counterfeiting and explore the relationship of in-house counsel and investigators. The event is open to all INTA corporate members attending the Annual Meeting. A full agenda will be made available soon, so be sure to check back.
1:00 pm–2:15 pm
CSA01 Experienced Trademark Administrators Idea Exchange and Best Practices
Advanced Level
New this year! Join INTA's Trademark Administrators Committee as it hosts a moderated and lively interactive session for Super Experienced Trademark Administrators (non–attorney trademark professionals with 11+ years of experience). This session is designed to be a discussion, where attendees will choose two topics to join, on a rotating basis, throughout the 75 minutes. Attendees will contribute to the discussions on professional and career development topics including:
Expanding your skills.
Staying marketable.
Being a Mentor.
Identity crisis (you're not a lawyer, but so what).
Being a trainer/teacher.
While this session is designed for senior level Trademark Administrators (TMAs) and will focus on the advanced–level aspects, TMAs of all levels are welcome to participate.
Emily Quackenbush, Intrawest U.S. Holdings Inc. (United States)
Deborah Louise Brincat, Procter & Gamble France SAS (France)
Shama L. Elliott, American International Group, Inc. (United States)
H. Michelle Renne, Mars, Incorporated (United States)
Joyce Skiff, Velcro Group Corporation (United States)
Gwen Spurrier, Gray, Plant, Mooty, Mooty & Bennett, P.A. (United States)
Marion Woods, Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP (United States)
CSA02 For the Global Good: A How–to Guide for Pro Bono IP Work Around the World
Beginner to Intermediate Level
Few things are as fulfilling as helping those in need, but our best intentions frequently break down when we are faced with the complications of pro–bono work, particularly on an international level. How can our organization set up a pro bono program? Are there laws in our or other jurisdictions we need to know about? What about malpractice insurance? How do we coordinate across borders?
Recognizing that there are challenges to implementing pro bono programs across the globe, this international panel will provide practical guidance on navigating those challenges in various jurisdictions and implementing successful pro bono initiatives. Registrants will also receive information on practical resources available through INTA, including INTA's Pro Bono Toolkit and Pro Bono Resource Guide.
Rose Hickman Rigole, StrategyIP, A Professional Law Corporation (United States)
David Aylen, Gowlings International Inc. (Russia)
Juli Hopf, Spoor & Fisher (South Africa)
Eugene Low, Hogan Lovells (Hong Kong SAR, China)
CSA03 Tomorrowland: The Future is Today in Big Data and Analytics for Law Firm Practitioners
Advanced Level
Big data, the computer analysis of massive amounts of information, is transforming the business landscape. Many industries are starting to understand the benefits that can be derived from analyzing and visualizing the enormous amount of data created these days. Even traditionally conservative industries like law firms, which have historically relied upon paper documents, are beginning to explore potential uses for big data. As everything becomes digitized, it allows for the analysis of data in ways that were impossible with paper records. Big data then presents enormous opportunities for lawyers as well as challenges, This panel will help attorneys consider and understand the following issues:
Litigation strategies. Choosing cases and predicting outcomes.
Fee structures with big data. Monitoring the competition and adjusting rates.
Legal research using analytics. Expanding sources to solve legal problems.
Big data the in the courtroom. Determining jury selection, evaluating evidence, and calculating damage awards.
Using Big Data as a business development tool. Extending contacts and finding influencers.
Ian Ballon, Greenberg Traurig LLP (United States)
Alex Butler, Bloomberg BNA (United States)
Daniel Lewis, Ravel Law (United States)
Darren Schleicher, Lex Machina (United States)
1:15 pm–3:15 pm
Luncheon Table Topics
2:30 pm–3:45 pm
CSA20 Cultural Intelligence for Trademark Lawyers Today–A Soft Skill Often Underestimated
Beginner to Intermediate Level
Trademark practitioners face divergent cultures and customs when interacting with their international counterparts. Understanding these global cultural differences and nuances can help practitioners successfully navigate interactions with international clients and counsel, and avoid potential pitfalls that could unintentionally alienate a business partner. Through a series of vignettes depicting professional and social situations that one may encounter when interacting with professionals from different cultures, a geographically diverse panel of trademark practitioners with a wide spectrum of experiences in the global market will share their insight on spotting and understanding cultural differences.
Alison Tan, The Procter & Gamble Company (United States)
Philippe Bhering, Bhering Advogados (Brazil)
Myrtha Hurtado Rivas, Novartis Pharma AG (Switzerland)
Stephen Jiew, Al Tamimi & Company, Advocates & Legal Consultants (United Arab Emirates)
Mark David McVicar, Winkler Partners (Taiwan)
CSA21 Running the Technologically Advanced Trademark Law Firm Practice
Advanced Level
Tech savvy speakers will discuss various best practices and new developments involved in running the technologically advanced trademark law firm practice. Topics to be discussed will include
IP docketing software.
Data/file storage in the cloud.
Disaster recovery plans.
Transcription/voice recognition software.
Billing and financial software.
Hardware platforms.
Integrating various software in law firms to work together.
Mark Kachigan, Head, Johnson & Kachigian (United States)
Anuj Desai, Arnall Golden Gregory, LLP (United States)
Cory Furman, Furman IP Law & Strategy PC (Canada)
Nathalie Dreyfus, Dreyfus & Associes (France)
3:00 pm–5:00 pm
Committee Meetings
4:00 pm–5:15 pm
CSA50 The Global Associate Relationship: Choosing and Working with the Best Local Counsel Around the World
Intermediate Level
The Annual Meeting is where thousands of trademark practitioners from all around the world converge to meet their clients and local counsel located across the globe. There is no better place for law firm members to discuss how to find the most qualified ones and how to manage those valuable relationships. Law firms have unique issues when dealing with Foreign Associates unlike those of corporate members. For one thing, law firms are often responsible for overseeing the portfolios of multiple clients whose individual interests must be kept paramount. For another thing, law firms also frequently receive work from Foreign Associates whose clients are looking to protect their marks in the firms' local jurisdictions. This panel will address some of the competing tensions that arise under these circumstances and will cover topics including the following:
Using resources such as the INTA Membership Guide to find qualified local counsel.
Determining the skill sets of local counsel for various tasks such as prosecution and litigation.
Developing metrics for determining what constitutes good local counsel.
Language and cultural considerations among various regions.
The pros and cons of using local counsel as a hub for a region.
The use of local liaisons by multinational firms.
Best practices for developing relationships with local counsel, on the firm and individual level.
Cristina Guerra, Guerra IP (Brazil)
Tomoya Kurokawa, SOEI Patent & Law Firm (Japan)
Axel Nordemann, Boehmert & Boehmert (Germany)
Peter Sloane, Leason Ellis LLP (United States)
4:00 pm–6:00 pm
Annual Meeting Registrant First–Time Orientation and Reception
Learn from experienced Annual Meeting attendees about the many resources and opportunities for education and networking; also find out how to navigate the Exhibition Hall and make the best use of your time. Don't miss out on this informative event and discover what's new at this year's meeting. After you hear from experienced INTA attendees about how to maximize your time at the meeting, stick around to network with other first–time attendees and get to know each other better.
First–time attendees, young practitioners, and students, as well as new INTA members, will find this orientation essential to making the most of their first Annual Meeting and will have the opportunity to network at a reception after the session.
4:30 pm–5:30 pm
Committee Meetings
8:00 pm–11:00 pm
Get "INTA the Groove" with Kool & the Gang
You are invited to an exclusive Kool & the Gang Concert for INTA registrants only! There are too many hits to list, but don't miss this unique opportunity to dance all night at the House of Blues with your colleagues as you watch Kool & the Gang perform favorites like Celebration, Get Down On it, Jungle Boogie and so many more! This event has limited space, so be sure to buy your ticket when you register for the meeting.
Kool & the Gang has sold over 70 million albums worldwide and influenced the music of three generations. Their long list of hits has earned two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, 25 Top Ten R&B hits, nine Top Ten Pop hits, and 31 gold and platinum albums. Kool & the Gang has performed continuously for the past 45 years, longer than any R&B group in history. Their bulletproof funk and tough, jazzy arrangements will keep you dancing all night long.
Fee: US $225
Guest tickets are also available for sale. The fee includes exclusive access to the Kool & the Gang Concert and open bar for the duration of the event. Tickets are nonrefundable.
Learn more about sponsoring this event.
Sunday, May 22
7:30 am–7:00 pm
Registration and Hospitality
8:00 am–3:45 pm
Course on International Trademark Law and Practice
(Day 2; advance registration required; CLE credit available)
The Course is designed to provide a comparative analysis of trademark law and practice in countries around the world. See Saturday's program for full description.
8:00 am–4:00 pm
Advanced Mediation Training
(Day 2; advance registration required; CLE credit available)
INTA's two-day mediation training course teaches the detailed process of mediation, including how to assist the parties in applying a negotiation framework, defining the issues, focusing on the parties' interests and developing options that satisfy both parties and lead to a lasting resolution.
8:30 am–10:30 am
CTM and RCD Users' Meeting Organized by the Office for the Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM)
Join OHIM representatives for a comprehensive update on the Office's activities over the past year in the fields of EU–funded projects, international cooperation initiatives and the EU Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights' activities. OHIM will also report on the general situation at the Office, emphasizing key performance indicators and discuss recent changes in practice and important decisions of the Court of Justice of the European Union. Questions from the floor will be taken.
9:00 am–10:00 am
Committee Meetings
9:00 am–11:00 am
Committee Meetings
9:00 am–11:00 am
Breakfast Table Topics
10:00 am–11:00 am
Committee Meetings
10:00 am–3:45 pm
In-House Practitioners Workshop and Luncheon
(Limited to in-house practitioners only; advance registration required)
Early Bird Fee (before March 4): US $150
Standard Fee (after March 4): US $200
This combined workshop and luncheon, designed exclusively for in-house practitioners, offers a unique opportunity to network, benchmark and exchange best practices for strengthening your brand in a marketplace where corporations of all sizes face challenges.
Registration includes admission to the workshop sessions and luncheon with keynote (not sold separately). Tickets for admission to this event will not be sold onsite.
11:00 am–12:15 pm
CSU01 (Dis)order in the Court: A Debate Between a Practitioner and a Professor
Intermediate Level
This session takes the form of one or more "debates" between practitioners and professors. We select two recent, prominent issues, and engage two back-to-back debates on each case, having a practitioner take one side of the issue and a professor take the other side. We propose including a question and answer panel with all of the participants afterward. These debates highlight different perspectives on current trademark issues.
Don't miss the annual Practitioner vs. Professor debate, bringing both passion and intellectual rigor (not to mention a fair bit of good humor) to the Annual Meeting. One top attorney will battle a renowned professor in an all-star panel, debating tarnishment.
Glynn Lunney, Texas A&M University School of Law (United States)
Antoine Gautier-Sauvagnac, FTPA (France)
11:00 am–2:00 pm
Madrid System Users' Meeting (MSUM) Organized by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
Don't miss the opportunity to hear WIPO presenters provide an overview of key Madrid System developments, and engage with officials from a selection of Madrid System Contracting Parties. Invited officials will address specific issues regarding the designation of their countries in an International Registration, including how to avoid and respond to provisional refusals. An interactive question and answer session will follow.
11:15 am–12:15 pm
Committee Meetings
11:15 am–1:15 pm
Committee Meetings
11:30 am–1:30 pm
Trademark Administrators Brunch: Become the CEO of Your Mind– Maximize Your Strengths, Minimize Your Weaknesses
(Advance registration required)
What motivates you? Do you react to client or shareholder concerns? Is everything a reaction, rather than being proactive? Enter your inner CEO—the master of your mindset and actions on your day-to-day experiences; the one that makes choices about how to maximize your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.
Join us at the Trademark Administrators Brunch to meet keynote speaker Dia Draper, Founder and CEO of Workplace Evolved, who will provide a fun, lively and interactive program to give you the tools to tap your inner CEO and start making choices about how you act, what you say and the way you take advantage of opportunities and overcome challenges.
Registration is US $50 and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets for admission to this event will not be sold onsite.
12:00 pm–2:00 pm
Luncheon Table Topics
12:00 pm–4:00 pm
Exhibition Hall
Visit the 100+ exhibitors displaying their products and services. Exhibitors include trademark solution providers, law firms, media companies, IP offices, trade associations and government offices.
12:15 pm–2:15 pm
Committee Meetings
1:00 pm–2:00 pm
Japan Patent Office (JPO) User's Meeting: Recent Activities and Examination Practices for Trademarks in Japan
Open to All! Join JPO trademark representatives for an informational user's meeting. Attendees will be able to get an update on the JPO's recent activities. Representatives will also provide information on trademark examination practices in Japan and will accept questions from the floor.
1:30 pm–3:30 pm
Committee Meetings
2:00 pm–3:15 pm
CSU20 What Do You Do When a Copyright Issue Lands On Your Desk?
Intermediate Level
Today, more than ever, brand owners and trademark attorneys are being asked to include copyright protection in their in-house or client portfolios. Companies are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of copyright to overall brand identity protection; and, they recognizing that the overlap between trademark and copyright can serve as another tool in their brand protection arsenal. Brand owners and trademark attorneys are learning that they need to institute best practices against copyright infringement to protect both their own intellectual property and to protect the company against costly and reputation damaging copyright infringement claims.
Speakers will share insight on all the copyright topics you need to know more about, including:
Best practices for practical tips for maximizing brand protection through copyright.
How to protect against copyright infringement in your company.
Issues and copyright concerns in the corporate environment.
How to obtain copyright permission and much more.
Iris Geik, Copyright Clearance Center, Inc. (United States)
Gretchen Klebasko, Legg Mason & Co., LLC (United States)
Randi Singer, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP (United States)
Maury Tepper, Tepper & Eyster, PLLC (United States)
CSU21 Mediation Live! A Real-Life Mediation Experience
Advanced to Intermediate Level
Mediation is a specialized process that is becoming increasingly common in the resolution of trademark disputes. Practitioners with limited firsthand mediation experience, however, may be at a disadvantage when attending a mediation. This session seeks to make practitioners more comfortable with the mediation process, so as to better prepare for mediation.
Attendees will observe the recreation of an actual mediation conducted by experienced outside and in-house counsel and a seasoned mediator from the INTA Panel of Trademark Mediators who participated in the mediation when it took place. During this session, the presenters will demonstrate the important steps routinely encountered in a typical trademark mediation, from start to finish. This will permit attendees to see and understand how the mediator mediates and navigates between the parties and their counsel; how counsel works through the process with the mediator and the client; and how to approach mediating their own disputes to reach a practical solution without litigation.
Participants will include a claimant brand owner, based in the U.S., represented by in-house counsel and their external counsel, a defendant brand owner based outside of the U.S., represented by in-house counsel and their external U.S. and non-U.S. counsel, the mediator, and a narrator that will interject with observations about the mediation.
James M. Amend, Kirkland & Ellis LLP (United States)
Miles J. Alexander, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP (United States)
Lori A. Ball, Molson Coors Canada (Canada)
Daniel R. Bereskin, Bereskin & Parr LLP (Canada)
Leslie J. Lott, Lott & Fischer, PL (United States)
Louis T. Pirkey, Pirkey Barber PLLC (United States)
CSU22 Followership: An Essential Element of Leadership
Leadership has rightly been the focus of a huge amount of study, analysis and attention, and developing leadership skills sits easily with the aspirations many of us have in our professional—and personal—lives. But how do we view "followership" and what are its characteristics? This session will explore the strength and influence the skilled follower brings to any team—as a reality checker for the team leader, an affirmer or constructive critic, a conscientious contributor, and the glue that bonds the team and its leader together. Followership can of course be a stepping stone to leadership, but it needn't be – it's also a role in its own right with a vital impact on enabling a team to realize its potential. This will be a lively and engaging session which gives followership center stage.
Jonathan Clegg, Cleveland (United Kingdom)
Ricardo Alberto Antequera, Estudio Antequera Parilli & Rodriguez (Venezuela)
Jason Champion, Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear, LLP (United States)
Purvi Patel Albers, Haynes and Boone, LLP (United States)
Nicole Roessger, Red Bull GmbH (Austria)
Virginia Smith, Exxon Mobil Corporation (United States)
CSU23 Opportunities and Challenges of Being an Adjunct Professor
(Organized by Adjunct Professor Subcommittee; open to all)
Advanced Level
Current and past adjuncts, as well as INTA members who are interested in becoming an adjunct professor are invited to join this panel to learn, listen and discuss teaching methods, new techniques and ways to improve your skills. Speakers will share their insights on:
Public speaking and how to engage students.
Socratic method versus presentation. How to really involve students in learning.
How and when to include visuals and other media in presentations and enhance learning.
Audience participation will be encouraged to enhance the discussion.
Rudy Gaines, Marksmen (United States)
David Bernstein, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP (United States)
Kenneth L. Wilton, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (United States)
4:00 pm–5:30 pm
Opening Ceremonies and Keynote Address
Hear from INTA's CEO and 2016 President as they share their vision for the Association in 2016 and discuss INTA's impact on the IP industry. The 2016 Annual Meeting Co–Chairs will also introduce you to this year's program and welcome the Keynote speaker.
INTA CEO's Address
Etienne Sanz de Acedo, International Trademark Association (United States)
2016 INTA President's Address
Ronald van Tuijl, JT International S.A. (Switzerland)
2016 Annual Meeting Project Team Co-Chairs
Peter Dernbach, Winkler Partners (Taiwan)
Rick McMurtry, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (United States)
Keynote Address
Speaker to be announced
5:30 pm–7:30 pm
Welcome Reception
Join us at the OCCC for this great networking opportunity as we welcome all attendees to the 138th Annual Meeting. Take the time to meet up with old friends and colleagues, meet new acquaintances and work the room.
Monday, May 23
7:30 am–5:00 pm
Registration and Hospitality
8:00 am–10:00 am
Breakfast Table Topics
8:00 am–10:00 am
Committee Meetings
10:00 am–4:00 pm
Exhibition Hall
Visit the 100+ exhibitors displaying their products and services. Exhibitors include trademark solution providers, law firms, media companies, IP offices, trade associations and government offices.
10:15 am–11:30 am
CM01 Balanced Enforcement: A Look at Strategic Options for Enforcement in Today's Climate
Intermediate Level
For high volume or high profile portfolios, approaching enforcement can be overwhelming and daunting at times. It is not always possible to enforce against every single infringement reported or discovered. This panel will focus on balanced approaches to enforcement in light of the proliferation of content, the heightened potential for public relations blow back in the current climate, and examples of how nontraditional enforcement has led to ideal outcomes. The session will touch on the contours of a brand owner's duty to enforce, identifying ideal candidates for enforcement, and conventional and unconventional tips for enforcing in effective, efficient, impactful methods.
Monique E. Liburd, Google Inc. (United States)
Leah Chan Grinvald, Suffolk University Law School (United States)
Brendan Hughes, Cooley LLP (United States)
Kimberly Reddick, NBCUniversal Media, LLC (United States)
Jeremy Roe, Anheuser–Busch InBev Services, LLC (United States)
CM02 Utilizing Regional IP Attachés representing the U.S., Europe, & Japan Abroad: For Brand Owners and Policy Makers
Intermediate Level
Many national IP Offices station IP attachés in regions throughout the world to advocate for sound international IP policy and to help protect their respective commercial interests abroad. Learn about the valuable resources and support provided by these IP attachés and how to utilize them as both sources of information and as allies in trademark protection and anticounterfeiting enforcement activities. Speakers will discuss:
As a brand owner or brand owner representative, what can IP Attachés do for me?
How do IP Attachés initiate and take part in anticounterfeiting efforts?
What types of policy matters to IP Attachés promote?
What types of outreach and education to IP Attachés provide to the public and to local governments?
How do IP Attachés coordinate with their respective home offices and other government agencies?
Aisha Salem, USPTO IP Attaché for Middle East and North Africa (Kuwait)
Gerardo Munoz de Cote, Televisa, S.A. de C.V. (Mexico)
Leila Equinet, INPI French PTO (United States)
Riki Kishimoto, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Japan)
CM03 Nontraditional Trademarks, Innovation, and Competition: Friends or Foes?
Intermediate Level
In addition to words, names, logos, and product packaging, governments around the world are increasingly allowing registration and protection of nontraditional trademarks (also known as trade dress) such as product configurations, colors, scents, sounds, tastes, textures and motions. As these signs can identify and distinguish goods and services, brands can benefit from registering and enforcing rights in such innovative types of trademarks. Yet protection of nontraditional trademarks may also significantly hinder competition and communication in the marketplace. In addition to explaining the requirements for registration and enforcement of nontraditional trademarks, this panel of distinguished professors will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of protecting such trademarks.
Lisa Ramsey, University of San Diego School of Law (United States)
Ann Bartow, University of New Hampshire School of Law (United States)
Michael Handler, University of New South Wales (from Asia–Pacific)
Martin R.F Senftleben, VU Amsterdam University (Netherlands)
CM04 Beyond Native Advertising: The Line Between Social Media Posts and Advertising
Intermediate Level
This session will focus on some of the issues that brands encounter on social media platforms such as native advertising and promotions with new media (e.g. video, emoji, stickers, etc.). Speakers will examine common pitfalls and best practices in establishing social media policies, and address other legal issues in the areas of publicity rights, endorsement disclosures and industry regulations.
Stephen Jadie Coates, Twitter, Inc. (United States)
Barry Benjamin, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP (United States)
Ann Chen, Abbott Laboratories (United States)
Leanne Stendell, YUM! Brands, Inc. (United States)
CM05 3D Printing and the Future (or Demise) of Intellectual Property
Beginner to Intermediate Level
America is on the verge of a manufacturing renaissance, fueled in part by 3D printing. But 3D printing and the democratization of manufacturing could disrupt traditional business models and intellectual property protection, and lead to other profound changes. In an entertaining and visionary presentation, John Hornick, Finnegan partner and author of the new book, 3D Printing Will Rock the World, will speak about:
Implications of the democratization of manufacturing.
What is 3D printing away from control and how will it affect business models?
Why 3D printing may change everything.
How 3D printing may disrupt IP rights and licensing.
What will it take to trigger such disruption?
3D printing today and tomorrow.
John F. Hornick, Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP (United States)
11:45 am–1:00 pm
CM20 Trademark and Copyright Law in Digital Enforcement
Intermediate Level
This session will provide attendees with a chance to take a closer look at how trademark and copyright law can overlap in digital enforcement matters. Experts in the industry will do a deep dive into digital enforcement and will discuss how digital enforcement is handled, how it impacts their business, and how trademark and copyright law inform that enforcement.
Esther Ono, Turner Broadcasting Inc. (United States)
Geri Lynn Elias, Kate Spade & Company (United States)
Patrick M. Flaherty, Verizon Communications (United States)
Amy R. Grayem, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (United States)
Kat Johnston, Facebook, Inc. (United States)
Alli Pawlenty-Altman, Amazon.com, Inc. (United States)
CM21 Anticounterfeiting Strategies in South East Asia and Africa
Intermediate to Advanced Level
This interactive session will present a case study where brand owners and regulatory bodies are informed of strategies for effectively combating counterfeits in any industry area. Speakers will discuss highlight issues and offer perspectives from each region represented.
Lara Kayode, O. Kayode & Company (Nigeria)
Kingsley Ejiofor, The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) (Nigeria)
William Mansfield, ABRO Industries, Inc. (United States)
Nick Redfearn, Rouse & Co. International LLP (Indonesia)
CM22 Taking it Too Far: When Pretexts and Bullying Create Ethical Dilemmas
Intermediate Level
Protecting trademarks from infringement and dilution is often among the highest of priorities for brand-owners. But, how far is too far to go in vigorously asserting rights against would-be infringers? The Rules of Professional Conduct and related case law and guidance provide important principles which, if violated, can result in sanctions and liability. This panel will examine two hot topics: use of "pretexting" to investigate potentially infringing conduct and trademark "bullying." This panel will look at the rules, dig into case law precedent, and provide best practice tips on the following:
What is pretexting?
Can lawyers use pretexts?
Can lawyers hire investigators to do what they are not permitted to do by the ethical rules?
What special privileges do investigators enjoy that ordinary citizens do not?
What is trademark bullying?
What are the ethical limits on asserting claims against competitors?
Are the limits different for pre–suit demand letters than for claims in litigation?
What are the potential consequences of crossing the line into bullying?
Ken Taylor, Marksmen (United States)
Bryce Coughlin, Fox Entertainment Group (United States)
Jyotin Hamid, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP (United States)
RM20 Regional Update: Asian Powerhouses—Buy, Buy, Buy—How Advertising Laws Impact Brand Owners in the Large Consumer Markets of Asia
Beginner Level
Brand owners are clamoring to attract the attention of billions of consumers in China, India, Japan and South Korea. The panel will discuss developments in the advertising laws of these Asian powerhouses, including the revised China Advertising Law, comparative advertising, false advertising and claim substantiation, and cultural taboos.
Deanna Wong, Hogan Lovells (Hong Kong SAR, China)
Pravin Anand, Anand And Anand Advocates (India)
Alex H. Cho, Kim & Chang (South Korea)
Ayala Deutsch, NBA Properties, Inc. (United States)
Eiichiro Kubota, KUBOTA (Japan)
IM20 Internet/E-Commerce Industry Breakout: Beyond Trademarks—The Latest Challenges for Trademark Lawyers in Dealing with ICANN, new gTLDs, and the new Internet Landscape
Advanced Level
The new online landscape is one in which mobile is king, a proliferation of apps compete with thousands of new domain names for traffic, and where the central organization governing the Internet is undergoing a significant transition away from US government oversight. This brave new world need not be intimidating, however. Our expert panel of Internet lawyers will guide us through a number of topics, including:
Opportunities and enforcement challenges presented by new gTLDs/ccTLDs.
Defensive domain registration strategies.
Involvement in ICANN for TM lawyers.
Role of governments in Internet governance and e-commerce.
Implications of an increasingly mobile-centric Internet.
Ellen B. Shankman, Ellen Shankman & Associates (Israel)
Andrew Abrams, Google (United States)
Sheri Falco, ICM Registry LLC (United States)
Michele Neylon, Blacknight Internet Solutions Ltd (United States)
Nick Wood, Com Laude (United Kingdom)
1:15 pm–3:15 pm
Professors Luncheon
(For full–time professors)
An opportunity for full-time professors to take a break from lecturing and hear up-to-date briefings from speakers on the front lines of trademark law and policy.
1:15 pm–3:15 pm
Luncheon Table Topics
1:15 pm–3:15 pm
Committee Meetings
1:15 pm–3:15 pm
Past Presidents Luncheon
(By invitation only)
3:30 pm–4:45 pm
CM50 United States and European Trademark Office Practice Since B&B v. Hargis
Advanced Level
In holding that Trademark Trial and Appeal Board registration decisions may be preclusive in later infringement litigation, the U.S. Supreme Court in B&B Hardware vs. Hargis Industries likely increased the importance of TTAB proceedings. But whether preclusion applies depends on the extent to which the TTAB considers marketplace conditions in reaching its decisions. What practical impact will the possibility of preclusion have on how we conduct our TTAB practices? Will discovery be broader? Will surveys consider marketplace use rather than the mark as shown in the application? Will testimony be more extensive as parties address the full panoply of confusion factors? Or will parties forego TTAB proceedings entirely and pursue their disputes directly in court, where discovery is broader and the ground rules more certain? This Panel will explore these critical issues from a US perspective and will explore how these same issues play out in European disputes.
David Bernstein, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP (United States)
Anna Carboni, Redd Solicitors LLP (United Kingdom)
Anthony J. Dreyer, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (United States)
Peter Harvey, Harvey Siskind LLP (United States)
Chief Judge Gerard F. Rogers, United States Patent and Trademark Office (United States)
CM51 Where Am I? Transporting Your Trademark Career to a Different Country
Beginner Level
It is often said that the world is a global village, and in the world of trademarks this is now truer than ever. This session highlights the benefits to corporations, service providers and law firms of having expats, with their unique skills and experiences, on their team. It will also address the feasibility of transferring licenses to practice in other countries and ways to continue your career without a local license. Expats who have successfully transferred their careers cross border will share their experiences. Challenges and pitfalls to such a professional move are all part of the journey and will also be discussed.
The panel consists of a lawyer from the US who started his own firm in Brazil, an Australian lawyer who immigrated to the US and worked initially in law firms and now is with an international legal service provider, a lawyer from South Africa who is now in-house counsel in Europe and a New Zealand lawyer who is now partner in an international law firm, with her office located in Dubai.
Discussion points will include:
What are the unique skills that expats bring to corporations, firms and service providers?
Transferring and applying "local" trademark knowledge to a career in a different country.
Must one obtain a local law license to work in the trademark field in a country other than where they initially qualified?
Ethical considerations in being subject to two separate and possibly conflicting ethical guidelines.
Kay Rickelman, Spoor & Fisher (South Africa)
Jayne Elizabeth Durden, CPA Global (United States)
Barry Gerber, Philip Morris International Management SA (Switzerland)
Sara Holder, Rouse & Co. International LLP (United Arab Emirates)
Walter W. Palmer, Pinheiro Palmer Advogados (Brazil)
RM50 Europe Regional Update: Nontraditional Trademarks—From Colors to Position Marks to Trend Spotting on What Will be the Next Thing!
Intermediate to Advanced Level
European trademark law has been rapidly evolving during the past few decades. There are numerous emerging trends relating to nontraditional trademarks. Experts will take you through the legislation and case law, and share their insights on the future of nontraditional marks, including:
How previously applicable laws relating to nontraditional trademarks have played out in practice.
Different types of nontraditional trademarks that have been the subject of applications and cancellations.
How will the proposed amendment to Article 4 of the Community Trademark Regulation (i.e. the deletion of the requirement for a trademark to be represented graphically) affect future trademark law?
What does the future entail for nontraditional trademarks? Will there be a revitalization of scent and color marks? Will the new amendments boost the creation of new types of trademarks?
Thomas Randes, IPQ IP Specialists AB (Sweden)
Jakob Balling, Arla Foods Amba (Denmark)
Guido Baumgartner, Coty Germany GmbH (Germany)
James C. Love, James Love Legal (United Kingdom)
Ulla Wennermark (Spain)
IM50 Pharma Industry Breakout: Marijuana and the Law: Branding, Marketing and Regulatory Issues
Intermediate Level
Twenty-seven states and the District of Columbia have either legalized medical marijuana or decriminalized marijuana possession—or both. Colorado and Washington State allow the sale of recreational marijuana and Oregon and Alaska are set to join them in 2016. This session will take a closer look at the intellectual property issues the commercial marijuana industry will face, including trademarks, labeling, trade dress, and product design. It will also look at the growing debate between state and federal regulations and advertising restrictions for marijuana and related products.
Lisa Martens, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP (United States)
Charles Gielen, NautaDutilh (Netherlands)
Sam Kamin, University of Denver, Sturm College of Law (United States)
Alison Malsbury, Harris & Moure, pllc (United States)
Tamar Todd, Drug Policy Alliance (United States)
5:00 pm–6:00 pm
India Reception
(By invitation only)
This reception provides registrants from India with an invaluable opportunity to network with colleagues and share experiences concerning the benefits and challenges of doing business in India. This reception provides an opportunity to meet with INTA's CEO, India Representative and other INTA staff.
5:00 pm–6:00 pm
Africa Reception
(By invitation only)
This reception provides registrants from Latin America with an invaluable opportunity to network with colleagues and share experiences concerning the benefits and challenges of doing business in the region. This reception provides an opportunity to meet with INTA's CEO and other INTA staff.
5:30 pm–6:30 pm
Asia Reception
(By invitation only)
Network with Chinese colleagues and share experiences of doing business in Asia. This is the must-attend reception for those in the INTA community who want to be plugged into our extensive Asia network and presents the opportunity to meet with INTA's CEO and Singapore Representative.
6:00 pm–7:00 pm
New This Year! Latin America Reception
(By invitation only)
This reception provides registrants from Latin America with an invaluable opportunity to network with colleagues and share experiences concerning the benefits and challenges of doing business in the region. This reception provides an opportunity to meet with INTA's CEO and other INTA staff.
6:00 pm–7:00 pm
New This Year! Middle East Reception
(By invitation only)
This reception provides registrants from the Middle East with an invaluable opportunity to network with colleagues and share experiences concerning the benefits and challenges of doing business in the region. This reception provides an opportunity to meet with INTA's CEO and other INTA staff.
9:00 pm–12:00 am
President's Dessert Reception
(By invitation only)
Tuesday, May 24
7:30 am–5:00 pm
Registration and Hospitality
8:00 am–10:00 am
Breakfast Table Topics
8:00 am–10:00 am
Committee Meetings
8:30 am–10:00 am
INTA Roundtable Hosts Breakfast
(By invitation only)
The Roundtable Hosts Breakfast honors the hosts of the INTA roundtables that have taken place between June 2014 and May 2015. The Association is grateful to the many volunteers who have contributed to the Roundtable program's success.
8:30 am–5:45 pm
IP Office Workshop: Working Towards the 21st Century IP Office
New this year! An all-day workshop developed exclusively for IP Offices around the world which is scheduled for Tuesday, May 24, 8:30 am–5:45 pm. Coordinated by UKIPO, IPOS and INAPI Chile, the workshop will feature an open session to all Annual Meeting registrants on e-filing and e-transactions and then several closed-door sessions for IP Office registrants, as well as, a preview of INTA's Industry Training Seminar organized by the Government Official Education and Training Committee. This full day of programming is an excellent opportunity for registrants from your office to benchmark with other offices, network and learn. Full schedule of events to be posted soon.
10:00 am–4:00 pm
Exhibition Hall
Visit the 100+ exhibitors displaying their products and services. Exhibitors include trademark solution providers, law firms, media companies, IP offices, trade associations and government offices.
10:15 am–11:30 am
Trademark Scholarship Symposium
The Symposium offers academics from around the world the chance to participate in small group discussions of scholarly works–in–progress in the field.
10:15 am–11:30 am
CT01 Annual Review of Leading Case Law in the European Union
Advanced Level
Attend the second annual session, intended for a global audience, where speakers from Europe will provide a wide-ranging and concise analysis of recent key decisions that have shaped European trademark law.
Guy Heath, Nabarro LLP (United Kingdom)
Georg Jahn, Noerr LLP (Germany)
CT02 Almost Famous: Proving Fame in First to File Jurisdictions
Advanced Level
Has your Company's brand faced refusal to register in a first–to–file country based on the prior filed application of a trademark hijacker? What about instances when you have needed to prove that your Company's mark was well–known or famous in order to prevent dilution of the brand in a country where the first party to file an application and obtain a registration is deemed to be the rightful owner of that mark?
In this session our esteemed panel of experts will share war stories and provide tips and tricks to increase a Company's success rate at defeating hijackers and proving that a Company's brand is sufficiently famous in first to file jurisdictions, like those in Asia and South America. We will tackle such questions as:
What value do surveys, affidavits, declarations and advertising materials hold in the plight to prove fame?
What are the consequences of failing to prove fame and the benefits of success?
What are the costs of putting together sufficient evidence of fame and what are some tips to work proactively to defray some of those costs?
Rachelle A. Dubow, Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP (United States)
Spring Y.c. Chang, Chang Tsi & Partners (China)
Tiki Dare, Oracle Corporation (United States)
David S. Gooder, Jack Daniel's Properties, Inc. / Brown–Forman Brands (United States)
Mauro Santos, Dannemann Siemsen Bigler & Ipanema Moreira (Brazil)
CT03 Making Money on .Generic Domain Names
Intermediate Level
Sure, the business model for .brands is self-evident, a safe secure ecosystem designed to protect consumers from confusion and a platform for innovative interactions between brands and their customers. But haven't you wondered how new gTLD registries with .generic terms will make money? It's not like we were all clamoring for more domain names and it's not as if .info and .biz really hit it out of the ballpark. Well, we have invited some of the best and brightest of the business folks running new .generic gTLD registries to come to the Annual Meeting and clue us in on how they plan to turn these registries into money makers (other than by really expensive Sunrise prices, we hope; that would really suck).
Paul McGrady, Winston & Strawn LLP (United States)
Stacey King, Amazon Inc. (United States)
Frank Schilling, Uniregistry (Cayman Islands)
Daniel Schindler, Donuts (United States)
IT01 Mobile Technology Industry Breakout: Living in a Mobile World – Promoting, Managing and Protecting your Brand on Mobile Platforms
Beginner to Intermediate Level
Mobile technology has democratized the Internet by expanding online use exponentially, decreasing the barrier to entry for both users as well as online businesses. This trend has created tremendous opportunities for brand owners as well as new challenges. Join our panel for an in-depth discussion regarding:
Changes and trends in user behavior.
Enforcement strategies and challenges particular to mobile apps and mobile games.
Use of third–party brands/logos in promotion.
Secondary liability issues for platforms.
Platform guidance, best practices.
Faisal Shah, AppDetex (United States)
Vineeta Gajwani, Electronic Arts Inc. (United States)
Christine K. Hsieh, Google (United States)
Susan Kawaguchi, Facebook, Inc. (United States)
11:45 am–1:00 pm
Trademark Scholarship Symposium II
The Symposium offers academics from around the world the chance to participate in small group discussions of scholarly works–in–progress in the field.
11:45 am–1:00 pm
IT20 Transportation/Hospitality Industry Breakout: Yours, Mine and Ours—IP Issues in the New Sharing Economy
Intermediate Level
Learn from representatives of key operators in the new, networked B2C marketplace about the impact of shared economies in the IP space. Speakers will discuss topics such as:
Are there trademark or other IP issues unique to transportation and hospitality companies operating in this hot new field?
Are there tried–and–true norms of trademark practice that require an updated approach for this industry?
What liability and enforcement issues keep these panelists up at night?
Sally M. Abel, Fenwick & West LLP (United States)
Michael Graham, Expedia (United States)
Eric Shulman, Uber (United States)
CT20 When is the Mediation Successful?
Intermediate to Advanced Level
What should be deemed a success in mediation? Isn't successful convening and bringing parties to the table already a success? After all, a mere fact that both parties accepted to talk is a radical change above their unwillingness to discuss anything beyond their positions in a legal conflict. Shouldn't a fact that the communication was established in a mediation process regardless of the failure to reach a settlement count as a success? After all, many parties who successfully re–established communications in mediation actually do reach partial or full settlement at some later point after the mediation sessions were terminated and the mediators' efforts halted.
How do we measure these other forms of mediation success and shouldn't all mediations be measured only by the fact whether the communication between the parties was re–established, rather than whether a settlement has been reached? Normally, we count partial settlements as a success and this seems to indicate that the value of re–established communication is seen as fundamental. It could equally be argued that a settlement subsequent to the formal mediation process now declared as an "unsuccessful mediation" should count as even greater success than the partial settlement.
Do we need to rethink not only mediation statistics methods but also the meaning and the role of the mediation itself in the business life? Will we mostly "mediate as we go" in the future, by training all levels of management and employees in communication and dispute resolution techniques, thus avoiding the conflicts from arising in the first place?
Mladen Vukmir, VUKMIR & ASSOCIATES (Croatia)
Christopher E. George, Intel Corporation (United States)
Louis J. Levy, Belles Katz LLC (United States)
Conny Schmitt, Grunecker (Germany)
Erik Wilbers, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) (Switzerland)
CT21 Online Enforcement: Counterfeit Products, Contraband but Genuine Products, Parallel Imports
Intermediate Level
The market is changing, and today over 60% of counterfeit products are sold online. Brand owners facing these new problems now have two options: follow the protocols for industrial property protection programs of each online/Web platform or track down and confront the counterfeiters and bring them to trial.
Speakers from some world-famous brands will discuss how the protocols for removal of counterfeit products work on several well-known online platforms. Speakers will share their insights and best practices on several topics, from the removal of counterfeit products, contraband products and copyright infringements to the effects of knowing whether the platforms are cooperating in these efforts and whether the policies are effective.
Virginia Cervieri, Cervieri Monsuárez & Associates (Uruguay)
Judith Fernandez Zebede, American Sportswear (Panama)
María Laura Perna, Adidas (Argentina)
John Stewart, Luxottica Group S.p.A (United States)
Zachary N. Toczynski, Levi Strauss & Co. (United States)
RT20 Africa and Middle East Regional Update: Opportunity and Growth Amidst the Turmoil of the Middle East and a Rising Africa
Intermediate Level
An overview on trademark developments in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)/Levant, Sub-Saharan Africa, and North Africa. This panel will discuss the impact of instability in the Middle East on the trademark regime, the GCC Trademark Law, Kuwait accession to the Paris Convention, well-known marks and online enforcement. Experts will look back at the effects of OAPI joining the Madrid Protocol at the end of 2014, and strengthening ties with the power houses of Asia.
Hoda Barakat, Hoda Barakat Legal Consultancy (United Arab Emirates)
Elie Atallah, Brand Owners' Protection Group (United Arab Emirates)
Karim El Helali, Oracle Systems Limited (Middle East)
Charles Webster, Spoor & Fisher (South Africa)
CT22 #HASHTAGS #EverythingYouNeedToKnow
Beginner to Intermediate Level
Speakers from social media or who are especially savvy will discuss the following hot topic and hashtag issues:
Can hashtags be registered as trademarks?
Who owns hashtags?
Can the use of hashtags containing registered trademarks be infringement?
What remedies are available to brand owners?
Patsy Y. Lau, Deacons (Hong Kong SAR, China)
Lorraine M. Fleck, Fleck & Chumak LLP (Canada)
Christine Kao, Twitter, Inc. (United States)
Linda Wang, Zaid Ibrahim & Co (a member of ZICOlaw) (Malaysia)
1:15 pm–3:15 pm
Luncheon Table Topics
1:15 pm–3:15 pm
Committee Meetings
3:30 pm–4:45 pm
CT50 Plain Packaging: Tobacco Today, Tacos and Tequilas Tomorrow
Intermediate Level
This session will use the plain packaging of tobacco products as a case study for the expropriation of private property justified on the basis of public health concerns. In light of the possibility of increased regulation and pack space appropriation/trademark expropriation extending to other industries, speakers will explore the implications for trademark owners whose products may be 'easy targets.'
But do trademark rights have to be sacrificed in the name of health?
Karen Abraham, Shearn Delamore & Co. (Malaysia)
Lisa Brunton–Reed, BATMark Limited (United Kingdom)
Sarah Louise Matheson, Allens (Australia)
Essenese Obhan, Obhan and Associates (India)
CT51 Ambush Marketing and Social Media. Lessons Learned before the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympics Games
Intermediate Level
Social media is constantly changing, social campaigns are gaining more popularity and sports fans are using mobile devices every day to watch the events, resulting in brand owners having to be stay on their toes to avoid competitors hijacking sports advertising though these channels. Examples of lessons learned after the London Olympics, the Rio World Cup and other big sports events, and new strategies that will be put into place for future events like the Olympics, America's Cup and World Cup.
Ozlem Ozgur Arslan (Turkey)
Nicolette Hudson, Express, LLC (United States)
Michael J. McCue, Lewis Roca, Rothgerber LLP (United States)
Jose Eduardo Vasconcellos Pieri, BM&A – Barbosa, Mussnich & Aragao (Brazil)
CT52 How Far Can You Bend a Mark Before it Breaks?
Intermediate Level
In today's market, trademarks are no longer static symbols, but instead are dynamic indicators of brand and origin. This panel offer a global perspective on fluid marks, as well as legacy and heritage marks, and genericide. Speakers will offer their perspectives on:
The potential commercial impact of changing or varying a mark.
How to maintain protection in marks in the absence of use.
Possible vulnerability that can result from a "successful" advertising and marketing campaign.
Maria Baratta, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP (United States)
Alison Tan, The Procter & Gamble Company (United States)
Margaret Walker, Xerox (United States)
IT50 Entertainment Industry Breakout: Brands and the Changing Face of Entertainment Content
Intermediate Level
Recent years have brought significant changes to the way entertainment content is developed and distributed to consumers. While in the past television programs were primarily aired on traditional broadcast channels, programs are now increasingly available on demand through online platforms and mobile apps, including both networks' own and third–party platforms. This session will explore the brand protection issues that arise in connection with this new landscape of content development and distribution, including use of trademarks across platforms, licensing, and piracy concerns.
Brian J. Winterfeldt, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP (United States)
Bryce Coughlin, Fox Entertainment Group (United States)
Judy McCool, HBO (United States)
Dana Brown Northcott, Amazon.com, Inc. (United States)
Todd Williams, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (United States)
CT53 Bust a Move: From the Trademark World to GC and Beyond
Intermediate Level
An animated moderated discussion about why peo
Orange County Convention Center
9800 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
No speaker information is available at this time

subset: commoncrawl


text:
What are the benefits of massage for animals?
Animals receive the same benefits from massage as humans do and these benefits affect every major system of an animal's body. Some of these benefits are as follows:
Massage therapy is an excellent complementary treatment to veterinary care, physical therapy, athletic training, and/or obedience training. However, it should NOT be used as an alternative to veterinary care. Your veterinarian should be notified of any changes in the condition of your animal. If your animal has any significant health issues, please obtain clearance from your veterinarian before pursuing massage therapy.
These are just a few specific situations in which Massage Therapy can be beneficial:


text:
A Fathers4Justice protester has threatened to jump from a hotel in Birmingham.
Police are negotiating with the man at the Hilton Metropole Birmingham hotel, the Birmingham Mail reported.
The protester unfurled a banner and climbed onto the balcony on Friday morning, the Mail said.
The protest is reported to be organised to coincide with the Voice Of The Child conference being held byThe Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service.
An update on the Fathers4Justice Facebook page said: "PROTEST UPDATE - protestor on balcony still - other protestors march on conference but are excluded by police and security.
"One protester blocking road at moment - police threatening with arrest."


text:
Qdoba Copycat Chicken Burrito
Time needed
2 hour preparation + 10 min cooking
Serving Size / Yield
8 servings
- The Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken tenders
- 2 cups Italian dressing
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 chopped chipotle chili, with sauce
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons water
- The Burrito
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 undrained can black beans
- 1 packet sazon goya
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced onion
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 package large burrito size tortillas
- 1 package shredded Mexican cheese
- Salsa
- Sour Cream
- Guacamole
Our Readers Also Loved
Whisk together the Italian dressing, cumin, oregano, chipotle, vinegar, and water. Chop the chicken tenders into 1/2-1 inch pieces and place in the bowl with the marinade. Toss the chicken and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Marinade the chicken for 2+ hours.
In a separate bowl, combine the rice with the lime juice, sea salt, and cilantro.
In a sauce pan, saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil. Pour in the can of beans, oregano, and the sazon goya.
Heat a little olive oil on high in a frying pan and cook the chicken.
Once the chicken is done cooking, put all of the ingredients that you want on your burrito and fold it into a burrito.
Enjoy with a side of chips and guacamole.
Around The Web


text:
Casa Armadillo Costa Rica. Set just above the 17th hole of the Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course in the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, the Villa Casa Armadillo rates as a true Costa Rican masterpiece. With more than three thousand square feet of exterior living space and another nearly nine thousand square feet inside, it is a remarkably spacious spot for a family or group vacation.
While you may have selected it because of its access to the resort's many delights, the property itself could provide all that is needed to enjoy a welcome retreat. After all, it features an enormous, tiered pool deck with the upper pool spilling over into a lower plunge pool, and all gazing out to sea. It has an array of comfortable and beautiful porches and balconies, fully furnished sun decks, outdoor showers and cozy porches ideal for star gazing, sunset or sunrise viewings or simply relaxing.
The interiors are stunning as well and include comfortable lounges, a media suite, formal dining room, and full, gourmet kitchen.
The property offers seven luxurious bedrooms, including two master suites with king beds, private terraces and large ensuite baths. There is a queen suite with garden access, a dual single suite with private access to the grounds and three single suites - all feature private baths.
These features make the Villa Casa Armadillo a perfect getaway, but the resort also adds an unmatchable luxury to your visit. The Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo is the only Forbes 5-Star Resort in all of Central and South America, and is famous for its opulence and its blending of luxury and eco tourism adventures. It offers such unique opportunities as gourmet or culinary experiences, eco adventures, private beaches and world class golfing, a signature beauty salon and spa, a modern fitness center with classes and individual training, an appealing artisan market, cafe and gourmet restaurants. There are tennis facilities staffed by pros, water sports, four swimming pools each with full bar services and amenities, and so much more.
Bedrooms 1 & 2: Master bedrooms with a king-size bed, TV, A/C, ceiling fan, private terrace and en-suite bathroom with bathtub, shower, double vanity and WC. 2 guests maximum.
Bedroom 3: Bedroom with a queen-size bed, A/C, ceiling fan, access to gardens and en-suite bathroom with shower, double vanity and WC. 2 guests maximum.
Bedroom 4: Bedroom with 2 single beds, A/C, ceiling fan, access to gardens and en-suite bathroom with shower, double vanity and WC. 2 guests maximum.
Bedrooms 5 - 7: Bedroom with a single bed, A/C, ceiling fan and en-suite bathroom with shower, vanity and WC. 1 guest maximum.
Isle Blue provides the most in-depth expertise and insight for vacation home rentals and vacation planning. For further helpful tips, answers and recommendations please visit our extensive Knowledge center that hosts articles and answers on general as well as destination specific topics.
|2018 Nov 17 to Dec 22 November 17, 2018 - December 22, 2018 (5 night minimum)
|2018 Dec 22 to Dec 29 December 22, 2018 - December 29, 2018 (7 night minimum)
|2018 Dec 29 to 2019 Jan 7 December 29, 2018 - January 7, 2019 (7 night minimum)
Note: The rates above are subject to 18% Tax/Service Charge.
Payments accepted in US Dollars, Euros, British Pound, Canadian Dollars, Swiss Franc, Fijian Dollars, Thai Baht, Australian Dollars, New Zealand Dollars.
Major credit cards accepted in US Dollars.
Casa Big Sur Las Catalinas Costa Rica. Slip away to a beachfront retreat when you visit Casa Cazenovia Costa Rica. Bring up to nine guests with you, or simply stretch out and enjoy this beautiful home...
Casa Oceano Tambor Costa Rica. Have you ever struggled to find the compromise between truly vacationing right on the beach, and enjoying luxury amenities? Now you never have to choose again. Casa...
Villa Palacio Tropical Tambor Costa Rica. Rich tropical details, relaxing ocean views, and luxurious amenities to pamper and please all come together in Palacio Tropical, a three-story private estate...


text:
Shoplifting Gone Wrong in Las Vegas
Shoplifting Gone Wrong in Las Vegas
Submitted by
Anthony Yoon
Submitted by
Anthony Yoon
Las Vegas, NV, United States
This adult female tries to be slick in stealing when leaving the store but gets busted. Its amazing to see how bogus people can be
Interested? Please join Panacea Dialogues LEARN MORE
23 Jan
Everything I like about a woman, she's right the opposite.
29 Sep
Gosh.. These criminals are so confident and arrogant. I wish I was so confident. :-(


text:
Joel Barker has very artfully expounded the concept of paradigm shift & pliancy in the world of business, in contrast to the world of science.
Understanding and mastering your paradigms is one important thing for making progress in life and in business. The real essence of this book is succinctly captured by the author in the five strategic exploration. They are the real gems of the book. Joel Barker is a process futurist, unlike most other futurists who are primarily content futurists. The five specific tools mentioned in the book are the exact process tools to aid & enhance your strategic exploration.


text:
VOX: Voices for Planned Parenthood presents a benefit performance of The Vagina Monologues Saturday, March 20, at 7 p.m. at the UTPA Jeffers Theatre in the Communications building.
Admission for the event will be $10 and proceeds benefit Planned Parenthood Association of Hidalgo County, Texas, Inc., Mujeres Unidas and V-Day 2010. Tickets are available at Planned Parenthood, 916 E. Hackberry, McAllen or at the door.
On Saturday, March 27, a poetry reading will be held at Savory Perks, on the corner of Texas Boulevard and S. 10th Street in Weslaco from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Ms. Josie Bustos Mixon, a native of Mission and a survivor of both child and domestic abuse, will lead the poetry reading. The community is welcome to participate.


text:
WUPJ Seminars Trips in 2016 Live this unforgettable experience!
• Kenes TaMaR March 30 April 3, Israel: email@example.com
• Berlin & London: Celebrating 90 Years of the WUPJ, April 7-14. Click here for details.
• European Union for Progressive Judaism (EUPJ), Biennial Conference, April 14-17, England.
• The Law under the Israeli perspective: Searching for Justice, May 11-16. Click here for details.
• Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism (IMPJ) Conference, May 27-28, Israel.
• Israel: Israeli Reform Judaism through an internal perspective, May 19-26.
Click here for details.
• South Africa: An Adventure through Africa & Safari, July 6-17. Click here for details.
• The Bergman Seminar for Jewish Educators July 14-24, Israel.
• Far East: China Singapore, November 9-18. Click here for details.


text:
This year was the first, of many, I expect, that I worked Christmas. I worked a 12.5 hour shift on both Christmas eve and Christmas day. And that obviously meant that this Christmas has been very different to any previously. Different. Strange. But special in its own way.
It was of course without early morning present opening, church, carols and an enjoyable afternoon / dinner with family members, as I've been used to. As I walked to work at 6.45am, I rang home and received a commentary of the present opening between my parents and sister. In work there was generally a jolly spirit around, with staff members wearing santa hats, tinsel and Rudolf antlers. Each of the beds had been decorated with tinsel, ball-balls and other Christmas decorations. And at the end of each of the beds were presents for each of the children from the hospital. Each of the children got another present half way through the morning when Father Christmas arrived.
The kitchen staff cooked a big Christmas dinner for all of the staff, parents and siblings in the hospital. It was all on a trolley for people to help themselves to, within our department. When I had my break and was enjoying the dinner, there were 3 very high children in the room enjoying their dinner with their family too. The youngest child had received a camera for Christmas and insisted on taking photos of *every* staff member who walked in the room! The staff, including the consultant, enjoyed playing along with this game.
The cutest child had to be the 2 year old boy, whose parents had bought all of his stocking to the hospital, whilst they visited his brother. He spent the entire day sat in the middle of the department, opening one present at a time, playing with it for a while, before his parents would take it away and give him another present.
Celebrating Christmas day with colleagues and practical strangers was obviously odd. But no matter how odd it was for me, it had to be worst for the parents and families. Having a child in hospital is never nice, but on Christmas day… One of the children I was looking after was from a long way away. His family were miles and miles away from where they had planned to be for Christmas. All without much warning or preparation. Christmas in January seemed the next best alternative. But still, its not quite the same.
The santa hats, tinsel and Father Christmas on Christmas day were jolly but essential attempts to keep spirits high for everyone.


text:
I love this, the waiting, the anticipation
I love this time period here, the waiting, the anticipation, the calm. At the moment we´re in the living room, the kids happily working on the books I gave them, Elena a book with number pussles and colouring and Ragnar, believe it or not, a book on multiplication... ;-) (no getting rid of the teacher instinct)
Icelandic Christmas music on, courtesy of Jón Kjartan, the smell of candles and the aroma of hangikjöt (smoked lamb) coming from the kitchen. Both the kids have just had their Christmas baths and even Elena is clam and relaxed :-D
The presents are all under tree, that has already been lit and decorated. We just had cookies Halldór baked for us yesterday as well as some baked by his mum and sent over.
So now all that remains is to wait for the meat to cook, then start on the potatoes and white sauce (traditional Icelandic celebratory fare) Then at 6 sharp dinner will commence, starting with some pate, then the lamb, potatoes in white sauce and believe it or not imported tinned Icelandic peas and red cabbage ;-) courtesy of my aunt Dúdda. After that creamy rice pudding with berry sauce, rasberry jello and chockolate minty cake for afters :-D
And finally, after all has been cleared the kids will hand out all the presents which will then be opened one at a time :-D Following that the best bit of the evening, cookies, sweets, playing, reading, listening to christmas music and generally just enjoying each others company :-D
For those of you wondering about the date, well normally this would all take place on the 24th of December but seeing as the kids will be leaving the Uk to spend Christmas holidays with their father in Iceland on tuesday, we decided to celebrate Christmas a week early ;-) Can´t imagine doing this without the children!!!


text:
Most clients don't want the lowest price available
October 30th, 2013 by Altman Weil
Altman Weil released its 14th annual Chief Legal Officer Survey last week, with lots of interesting data for corporate law departments as well as the law firms that serve them. One of the most surprising survey findings involves pricing. When asked about preferred outside counsel pricing scenarios, the over 200 Chief Legal Officers who participated in the survey overwhelmingly indicated that their preference is not for the lowest price they can get.
The survey outlined four possible law firm pricing options. Here are client preferences:
- Transparent pricing: We want to understand how/why the price is set and have the opportunity to discuss changes - 36.4%
- Guaranteed pricing: We want to know in advance what it will cost - 33.7%
- Value-based pricing: We want to pay a variable price based on the results we get - 20.3%
- Lowest pricing: We want the lowest price available - 9.6%
"If a rate discount is the only thing offered, law departments will certainly take it, but Chief Legal Officers are saying what they really want is predictability and control. So far this is a challenge that most law firms have been slow to address," according to Altman Weil principal and survey author Dan Dilucchio.
This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 30th, 2013 at 7:44 am and is filed under Inside-Outside relationship, Surveys, Alternative fees, Law Departments. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.


text:
To Do apps are a staple of mobile computing. Even the first PDAs (which were ironically made by Apple – called the Newton MessagePad 2100), featured To-Do Lists. Mobile technology has come a long way from there, but the principle of the To-Do list has remained the same. Join us as we take you through our review of a true 21st century To-Do List for the iPhone and iPad: Wunderlist.
What separates Wunderlist from the early Newton versions and makes it a 21st century To-Do App is apparent in its list of features. The Wunderlist app will sync your list not only between iOS devices (mobile), but also to your Mac. Providing capability to create multiple To- Do lists, add notes on tasks, schedule tasks, add email reminders, favorite tasks, and more – you can be sure you will get your stuff done.
The Basics
Wunderlist's interface is intuitive and finding your way around is simple. There are no hidden options you would need a manual to find. Adding a new list vs. task in a list is obvious as are most other tasks. Each task you add will allow you to enter multiple attributes about that task including a Note, Due Date, Reminder, List, and Priority. When entering a reminder you have the ability to tell the app to either send a push notification or an email at the time of the reminder. The Note field is not limiting – allowing you to enter entire conversations or sub-lists within.
Key Features
Syncing between devices is a must have in today's gadget heavy world. I do not want to have to enter a task 3 times, once for each of my devices. Also, sharing lists is possible and collaboration is automatic. This means once a list is shared – both parties can update, add to, or check of from the list. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find a feature to assign tasks to a collaborator.
Wunderlist also comes prebuilt with filters to narrow visible tasks for a list by Today, Tomorrow, Overdue, Done, Next 7 Days, Later, and No Due Date. I found the more organized and detailed I am with creating my tasks, the more I get out of the app. This means if you decide to just enter tasks at will, without taking the few extra seconds to set Due Dates, Reminders, or Priority, your list will be just that, a list. Using Wunderlist in such a way is a bit counterproductive, as the same kind of list forming can be done (perhaps simpler) using the stock Notes app.
Productivity apps aren't magical (though they're getting close) and they won't read your mind. They will provide an outlet to make you more productive and efficient, just like any other tool you might use. Wunderlist is no different here, but it does provide a comprehensive toolbox which can help you become those things, if used correctly. I can see some updates in the future providing the ability to assign tasks to collaborators, but besides that greedy request, I have been completely satisfied with the app thus far. Even better it's Free for all devices. I highly recommend Wunderlist.


text: If you would like to contact us about anything at all please just get in touch using the form below. Likewise, if you have a local event or restaurant you would like featured in the food listings please get in touch and we will get back to you. Name(required) Email(required) Comment(required)


text:
As you know, I married my soulmate not too long ago. We both very much want to have more kids, so we've been working towards that goal. I've been taking an SSRI for years, and there was some concern that could be affecting me in that department. I bought a home test about a month ago and it came back negative (in other words, there's a problem). I took another one, same result.
So we decided it best to consult a doctor.
I had a real test done and it came back "low" across the board. Low enough the odds of conception are around 4-5%. This came as an unpleasant surprise, but we decided to take it head on.
I was referred to a specialist to see if the problem was being caused by something other than medication. Shortly after meeting with the urologist, he quickly diagnosed a vascular problem. He said it was definitely the cause, but he was concerned.
It was on the right. Apparently the vast majority of men with this problem experience it on the left, and if it's on the right, it frequently indicates renal cancer.
Neither Nicole nor I saw that possibility coming, so needless to say we were concerned.
I passed it up the prayer chain and hoped to be in the minority (folks that have it on the right from genetics, not cancer). I called several times to get my ultrasound moved up, and managed to get one yesterday afternoon.
My kidneys, bladder, blood flow are all perfect, and functioning as they should. No masses.
For about a day, I saw my life passing in front of my eyes. I'm super happy and I have a great life. I'm not ready to go anywhere just yet. I have kids to have and raise, a wife to see the world with and raise a family with. I have a 7 year old that needs me and thinks I'm awesome.
It refocused me. I'm so fortunate and blessed that it wasn't something more sinister. Countless people get bad news every day, and I can't imagine how devastating that is for them.
I firmly believe God has a bigger plan, and that for whatever reason, I'm gonna be around for a while. I can't wait to see what He has in store for my family.
Sometime in the very near future I'll have to have vascular surgery to repair the problem, but that's "routine" surgery… just a couple days of being laid up. I actually can't wait to get it done so we can get this show on the road.
Throughout it all, Nicole was by my side. For every appointment, every test. And her words of encouragement were huge – let go and give it over to God… He is in control. She asked me "do you really think God would bring together this family in such a dramatic way and then tear us apart?" I had to think about that… I don't believe in a sadistic God, so I couldn't imagine that was the deal.
I am in a really good place in my life right now. I know that trials, troubles, and sickness will come. But I know that I won't have to go through any of it alone. That's a good feeling.


text:
TISH Jewelry
Stacking amethyst beaded bracelet
- Bracelets are sold individually - stack them together or with other designs!
- 8mm natural amethyst beads
- Brass spacer accent beads in either gold, silver or rose gold
To prolong the life of your jewelry, avoid contact with water, perfume, lotions etc. This will ensure your jewelry remains wearable for a long time.
TISH Jewelry creates charming pieces of jewelry that are simple enough to wear everyday. Semi-precious stones make each piece unique from the other, and no one will necessarily have the exact same stones. Handmade with love in Calgary, AB.
Gives to:
A Local Artist: This piece is handmade by a local designer in Calgary, AB.
You!: You'll love this handmade piece of art! Give it and wear it knowing you are helping to make our world better place!


text:
Method for isolating nucleic acids
United States Patent
|September 29, 2015
|View the Complete Patent at the US Patent & Trademark Office
|Oak Ridge National Laboratory - Visit the Partnerships Directorate Website
|The current disclosure provides methods and kits for isolating nucleic acid from an environmental sample. The current methods and compositions further provide methods for isolating nucleic acids by reducing adsorption of nucleic acids by charged ions and particles within an environmental sample. The methods of the current disclosure provide methods for isolating nucleic acids by releasing adsorbed nucleic acids from charged particles during the nucleic acid isolation process. The current disclosure facilitates the isolation of nucleic acids of sufficient quality and quantity to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize or analyze the isolated nucleic acids for a wide variety of applications including, sequencing or species population analysis.
|Hurt, Jr.; Richard Ashley (Knoxville, TN), Elias; Dwayne A. (Knoxville, TN)
|UT-BATTELLE, LLC (Oak Ridge, TN)
|13/ 918,201
|June 14, 2013
|STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH The United States Government has rights in this invention pursuant to contract no. DE-AC05-00OR22725 between the United States Department of Energy and UT-Battelle, LLC.


text:
I've had a very difficult time finding a job. This has had its effect on my relations with friends and family. I've become more irritable. I've noticed that my irritability has taken a toll on relations with my closest friends; it hasn't spread farther out into the spectrum of people I either hardly know or don't know at all. This always seems to be the case and I believe this is in accordance to human nature.
I've had messengers and road signs sent my way "telling" me not to give up and to keep on pursuing my goals. These have come in the form of people not getting mad at me, of me making new, unanticipated friends in places where I would have never expected to have met them, of amazing people suddenly appearing in my life. In general, I've been extremely privileged: to be living in Israel, to have two wonderful parents, and three amazing grandparents, to have a large number of caring friends, and most of all, to be alive! All too often, I've taken these gifts for granted, but I realize that I need to continue reminding myself of just how privileged I am.
A few Shabbatot ago, my dear friend, rabbi, and mentor whom I met while livng in Ramat Hasharon during the hardest period of my life, told his yeshiva students about the "road signs" he'd seen when first coming to Ramat Hasharon from Beit-El. He'd left Beit-El, the site of Jacob's dream, and one of the holiest sites in Judaism, to resettle with his young family in a neighborhood of Tel-Aviv where religious life had been, up till now, either not very previlent or simply unheard of. As he sat there, he revisited his (and my) past in a calm, collected voice that's so telling of the immense person he is.
He told them of how after they'd come to Ramat Hasharon and were about to sign the lease on an apartment in Morasha, the land lady asked him and his wife whether they had come there to "spread Judaism." This was after she'd related to them how her sister had been elected to the Knesset having run on the Shinui (virulent anti-religious party that has since disappeared) ballot. My Rabbi gathered his strength and decided he'd tell her the truth.
"Yes, we moved here to spread Judaism" was his answer. You can imagine his utter disbelief when the landlord replied that she was proud of them for taking on this mission and that the State of Israel needed more dedicated individuals like them; that her sister actually studied Torah at times.
He also told his students, who sat there with their mouths agog, how he'd met "Eitan" his first day in Ramat Hasharon (nodding to me), and how I'd helped him carry his second son, Y, then a toddler, up the stairs of our apartment building in a baby carriage, how I'd offered him my friendship, and how I'd been the first to begin studying Torah with him. "These," he said, were his "road signs." He'd left the only home he'd known up till now to travel to a strange place. Yes, this was the country he knew and loved, but Tel-Aviv is no Beit-El.
I've had many people "show me the way" and this post is dedicated to my best friend, A.D., my mentor A.T. and my Ramat Hasharon friend and Rabbi, A.A. May their acts of kindness be a merit for the coming redemption.


text:
Yay for blog give-aways! Check out our cool and groovy sister-in-law and her inspiring blog! Follow this link to her blog. Follow her blog to win!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
We recently had the honor of spending a day on the town with another awesome senior, Quenton. We laughed, we explored, we laughed, we ran from bee's, we were serious, and we laughed some more. Needless to say we had a ball. Here's a glimpse into our day.
Posted by Backyard Photography at 9:02 PM 1 comment:
Sunday, August 15, 2010
She's just too beautiful...
...not to share. I spent the morning with my little sister. We were just messin'- and she'll probably kill me for posting these- but how could I not? Cheers- Katie
Posted by Backyard Photography at 8:45 AM No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
Residential Garage Doors
Create your door for FREE before you buy
Residential Garage Door Openers
Commercial, Industrial and Agricultural Garage Doors
Commercial Door Operator
Emergency Repair
Book a service call online
Garage DoorRepair & Maintenance
Parts & Accessories
Troubleshootingyour garage door
With many years of experience selling and installing new garage doors, we know quality when we see it. When customers ask us which garage door company is the best, we don't hesitate to recommend Garaga. Their doors, manufactured in Canada, are the safest and most reliable. They are strong, tough and energy efficient. You won't find a better built door elsewhere!
We continue to sell and install new Garaga doors throughout the Trumbull County, including Cortland, Warren, West Farmington and Trumbull County. If you're thinking of changing your garage door, call us today at (330) 889-0062 for more information.
Garaga doors are durable. All doors are built with the best possible materials. Their panels are lightweight yet strong, and offer up to twice the thermal resistance factor of other doors.Their doors offer high R-value. Speaking of thermal resistance, GARAGA garage doors offer the highest R-value to be had. Complete with weather-stripping, pressure-injected polyurethane foam and air-tight joints, these doors keep the cold and the snow out in winter, and the heat and humidity out in summer.
They have a strict production standardization system. All GARAGA garage doors are manufactured following a strict process, which means every door is properly built and inspected. Garaga provides the best warranties. When it comes to your residential garage door, Garaga offers a limited lifetime warranty. It covers many issues such as rust, paint finish and door panels.They have a wide variety of products. GARAGA garage doors come in many available colors and finishes. And with their numerous model, window and hardware options, you're bound to find the perfect door for your home.
Garaga manufactures a wide variety of residential, commercial and industrial garage doors. They have made it their mission to build and distribute quality products. That's why each door comes with a warranty – you don't have to worry about quality with Garaga!
When you're ready for your next renovation or new construction project, come and see us to learn what Garaga has to offer.
At Midway Garage Doors, we are proudly family-owned and operated. Garaga understands this pride, as they are also a family business. Since 1983, Garaga has been building garage doors in Canada. With production plants in St-Georges, Quebec and Barrie, Ontario, all of their doors are still Canadian-made, and their business family-run.
With their quality products, we feel good recommending GARAGA garage doors. Our technicians at Midway Garage Doors have been trained as Garaga Expert, giving you the peace of mind that your next garage door will be correctly and safely installed.
Popular areas served
West Farmington,
Other Cities...
Connect With Us at Midway Garage Doors
6746 State Route 534, West Farmington, OH 44491(330) 889-0062FREE QuoteSchedule a Service CallContact UsOur BlogOur ShowroomAbout our CompanyBusiness hours: Monday to Friday 8 AM to 5 PM,
Saturdays by appointment
Residential Garage DoorsIndustrial Garage DoorsResidential Garage Door OpenersIndustrial Garage Door OpenersImage GalleryVideosWhy I recommend GaragaWhy Choose Garaga
Service & Support
Schedule a Service CallGarage door partsInstallation GuideFAQGarage Door Glossary