INTA Daily News

Slip on your party clothes, put on your dancing shoes and let your hair down: the theme of this year’s INTA Annual Meeting is That’s Entertainment.

David Bernstein, a partner of Debevoise & Plimpton in New York and one of two co-chairs of the Meeting, explained why the theme was chosen: “We are seeing more and more conflicts between brand owners and the entertainment industry, whether in TV commercials, artwork, movies, the stage or songs.” Issues such as the right to use celebrity images, merchandising, endorsement and the use of brands in the entertainment industry will all be addressed during the Meeting.

The theme has particular relevance because this year’s Annual Meeting is being held in southern California, home to the US entertainment industry – “[San Diego is] a great city which always has perfect weather,” said Bernstein.

But there is much more to this year’s Meeting than just the entertainment streams. The number of interactive workshops has been increased, with emphasis on smaller sessions of up to 150 people focusing on subjects such as depositions, due diligence and UDRP proceedings. These should provide for a “more intimate experience,” said Bernstein.

An innovation this year will feature a real-time deliberation involving a jury made up of local people, seen live by the audience and commented on by a panel of litigation specialists. In another session, panelists will enact an international arbitration.

A project team of 50 people has put together the program, led by Bernstein and fellow co-chair Lisa Gigliotti of L’Oréal. The co-chairs have reviewed all the papers and presentations prepared for the Annual Meeting to minimize overlaps and ensure that speakers deliver on what is promised in the brochure. “We want to ensure the quality of materials and presentations are the highest they can be,” said Bernstein. 

He added: “We want as great a show and as great a party as we can possibly have.”

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