To the Members of the Worldwide Trademark Community,

As president elect of the International Trademark Association (INTA), I am pleased to invite you to attend INTA’s 127th Annual Meeting in sunny San Diego.

The Annual Meeting is the largest and most prestigious gathering of trademark professionals in the world, and more than 6,500 people from more than 140 countries are expected to attend. As is the custom at the Annual Meeting, we will present a first-rate educational program that provides a truly global view of current trademark law and issues.

Inspired by the meeting locale in Southern California and its proximity to Hollywood, a special track on “Trademarks in Entertainment” is being offered. Amid a broad range of educational programs, you will be able to learn all about product placement (and misplacement) in movies, merchandising famous brands, character licensing, use of celebrity endorsers, sports marketing, ambush marketing and marketing to children.

You will have ample time to network with your colleagues throughout the week, including at the Welcome Reception on Sunday evening and the Grande Finale on Wednesday at SeaWorld® adventure park. Also, please take some time to visit the Exhibition Hall, where our exhibitors can tell you about new products, services and solutions. This year, the Exhibition Hall opens on Sunday afternoon, providing additional time for buyers and sellers to meet. Finally, INTA’s many committees will meet to advance committee objectives and Association priorities.

San Diego is famous the world over for its Zoo and Wild Animal Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, Coronado Island, Balboa Park and SeaWorld® adventure park. With near-idyllic weather year-round, San Diego is the perfect place to do business and vacation. To help you enjoy the city, we hope you will take advantage of a number of tours that INTA has scheduled.

I look forward to seeing you in San Diego.

Anne Gundelfinger