On behalf of the Board of Directors and the staff of the International Trademark Association, I would like to invite you to the Association’s 128th Annual Meeting. This year’s venue is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in North America: Toronto, Canada.

We have chosen “Cross-Border Trademark Issues” as the theme for this year’s meeting. Our theme reflects the 21st century reality that trademark protection is increasingly a global challenge. As illustrated by this brochure, our sessions will explore international issues from a variety of perspectives – clearance, selection, oppositions, registration and enforcement, and in a variety of formats, including the popular “table topics.” We have also added more workshops, to provide you with an opportunity to study trademark issues in small, focused settings, with experts in the field. 

In addition, this year’s meeting will feature Commissioner Gary B. Bettman, of the National Hockey League, as its keynote speaker. Mr. Bettman will discuss issues relating to the development and protection of internationally known sports brands. 

Of course, there will be ample opportunities for networking with your colleagues and business associates throughout the week, including the Welcome Reception on Sunday evening and the Grand Finale on Wednesday. In the Exhibition Hall, you will find more than 90 exhibitors offering information on the latest products and services for trademark professionals. Our 2006 – 2007 committees will also meet to address issues critical to the global protection of trademarks and to the Association.

I also hope you have an opportunity to explore beautiful Toronto. Discover the neighborhoods, take a tour, try the ethnic restaurants, visit a museum or gallery, or take in a baseball game at the Rogers Centre – home of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Please join more than 7,000 of your global colleagues from more than 130 countries at the trademark community’s “must attend” event. I hope to see you there.

Paul W. Reidl
2006 INTA President
Associate General Counsel, E. & J. Gallo Winery