Social Media
Why Contest Hashtags Can Get You in #LegalTrouble
April 17, 2014Cause marketing is a popular technique for promoting sales. Brands frequently advertise that they donate a percentage of sales to a charitable cause, particularly using social media to spread the word of their good deeds. In so doing, brands become a co-venturer with the charity and have certain legal obligations under a wide variety of charitable solicitation laws.
Read More...Branding in the Collaborative Economy (White Paper Excerpt)
February 5, 2014This week, marketers and brands are meeting in Kansas City at the Resilient Summit to discuss the significance of the collaborative economy. The term “collaborative economy” describes an economic system where consumers prefer to share, rather than purchase, goods and services. It seeks to empower consumers and free them from the burdens of ownership. As this economy redefines established business models, at Collen IP, we pondered the legal implications for brands’ intellectual property and their advertising and marketing initiatives.
Read More...5 Top Legal Questions and Answers about Pinterest
October 6, 2013Clients frequently ask questions about copyright issues with Pinterest. In fact, the same questions arise repeatedly. Brands want to know how to avoid copyright violations on Pinterest, and they want to know how they can build a Pinterest marketing strategy into their business plan safely. Realtor Magazine recently interviewed me about how realtors can use Pinterest boards to promote their listings. The legal issues apply across industries. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about legal issues on Pinterest.
Read More...Best Legal Practices for Marketing with Vine
July 16, 2013Vine videos have taken social media by storm. Brands are catching on to the trend. A recent survey conducted by Unruly Group Limited shows that companies now use Vine about 4 times more than online videos to market their brand.
Read More...Legal Alert: Brands Need to Regroup to Keep up with Flurry of Legislation Changes
June 26, 2013This spring brought a flurry of regulatory changes and enforcement of existing laws for advertisers and marketers. This legislative update identifies several areas on which brands should focus their attention to remain compliant and to maximize their marketing efforts.
Read More...Do-It-Yourself Trademark Applications: Penny Wise; Pound Foolish
April 25, 2013Trademark protection is a key part of corporate due diligence, serving to improve the value of company’s chief intangible assets. Too many business owners, however, mistakenly believe that seeking trademark protection merely involves filing a form with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). They forego legal counsel, assuming they can secure protection themselves and save some money. In the end, they are often surprised by the complexity of the trademark registration process. Here are seven traps that often befall do-it-yourself trademark applicants.
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