Advertising and Marketing Law
Pinterest’s Updated Terms: Copyright Concerns Continue
March 26, 2012Last Friday, Pinterest released its updated Terms of Service, declaring that these terms “are easier to understand and better reflect the direction our company is headed in the future.” So that raises the question: where is Pinterest headed?
Read More...Reframing the Pinterest Debate: Seeking Technological Solutions to Copyright Problems
March 21, 2012The Wall Street Journal took notice of the growing concern over Pinterest’s policies in its blog and print editions last week. It cited to this author’s blog in its article “How to Use Pinterest without Breaking the Law.”
Read More...Branding on Pinterest: How to Avoid Legal Liability
March 6, 2012Last week, I suggested in my post that unless Pinterest addresses the legal issues inherent in its business model more responsibly, it cannot reach maturity as a social media website. I suspect that over time, we may see Pinterest evolve, but how can brands establish themselves on Pinterest in its current format with its existing terms and conditions? Below are some steps to take in developing a Pinterest branding strategy that minimizes legal risk.
Read More...Pinterest’s Predicament: Legal Issues Prevent Social Media Maturity
February 28, 2012Last week, Pinterest’s blog said that it was growing up. The blog stated, “we…know that copyright is a complicated and nuanced issue and we have knowledgeable people who are providing lots of guidance.” It next offered an opt out system by which website owners could embed code to prevent their content from being pinned.
Read More...Preventing Legal Mistakes in Social Media Sweepstakes and Contests
February 13, 2012Marketing consultants frequently recommend the use of sweepstakes and contests on social media platforms. Yet, in their enthusiasm for using this exciting marketing tool, marketers frequently expose themselves to legal risk. This blog will examine ten mistakes that brands make in launching a social media prize promotion.
Read More...How to File Trademark Applications For Social Media Related Services
February 2, 2012In 2011, some of the most frequently used terms in trademark applications were “social”, “book”, “network” and “mobile.” This trend at the USPTO reflects the proliferation of social media related services in the marketplace. So how does one file to protect a trademark for social media related services?
Read More...