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(05/03/06)
MTCC to welcome world’s largest gathering of trademark professionals May 6 – 10, 2006
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The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) will host the 128th Annual Meeting of the International Trademark Association (INTA) to be held May 6 – 10, 2006.
The meeting, which is the largest gathering of its kind in the world, will bring together more than 7,000 trademark professionals from more than 130 countries. It is considered the must-attend event of the intellectual property industry.
Beginning with a keynote address by Gary B. Bettman, Commissioner of the National Hockey League (NHL), the meeting will feature an innovative mix of educational programs, exhibitions and networking opportunities, all revolving around the theme “Cross-Border Trademark Issues.” Mr. Bettman will discuss the development and protection of internationally known sports league brands.
“Our theme reflects the 21st century reality that trademark protection is increasingly a global challenge,” said 2006 INTA President Paul Reidl. “What better time to address global trademark challenges than at a global trademark meeting?” he added.
The “Cross-Border Trademark Issues” theme touches on the many international trademark issues in major industries and the importance of protection and enforcement around the world. Meeting attendees will be given the opportunity to explore these issues from many different perspectives – clearance, selection, oppositions, registration and enforcement, to name but a few.
The meeting will feature the always popular Annual Review of U.S. Federal Case Law and Trademark Trial and Appeal Board Developments session and the Annual Review of International Case Law session. As well, the meeting will include a mock case arguing a preliminary injunction motion presented by two lawyers and a former judge of the U.S. District Court, in addition to practical sessions on geographical indications, the Madrid Protocol, and ethics, among many others. More than 140 speakers will present during the four-day event.
“We are delighted to be welcoming this large group of legal specialists to the MTCC,” added Barry Smith, the Centre’s CEO. “Trademark law is an exciting, dynamic field. There is a real need to actively guard and take action against counterfeiting, given its growing popularity in this electronic age. Those who own trademarks have invested a great deal in building their brands, and their investment needs to be vigorously protected. We are pleased to be a part of this and to be supporting the INTA’s important work around the world.”
Smith added that the MTCC anticipates this major convention will produce significant revenue for Toronto’s hotels, restaurants, shops and entertainment venues, with an overall economic impact of approximately $11 million in direct spending.
About INTA
The International Trademark Association (INTA) is a not-for-profit membership association of more than 4,900 trademark owners and professionals, from more than 180 countries, dedicated to the support and advancement of trademarks and related intellectual property as elements of fair and effective national and international commerce.
The Association was founded in 1878 by 17 merchants and manufacturers who saw a need for an organization “to protect and promote the rights of trademark owners, to secure useful legislation and to give aid and encouragement to all efforts for the advancement and observance of trademark rights.” After 125 years, INTA continues its mission to represent the trademark community, shape public policy and advance professional knowledge and development. For more information about INTA, please visit www.inta.org.
About the MTCC
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada’s #1 trade and convention facility and one of the finest in North America. With more than 2 million square feet of state-of-the-art space, it is considered a world-class, tier-one facility. Since its opening in 1984, the MTCC has hosted approximately 10,000 events, entertained nearly 40 million guests and has had a multi-billion dollar direct and indirect economic impact on the City and Province.
For Further Information Please Contact:
Heather Evans Justin Hajny
MTCC Marketing Manager INTA Marketing Coordinator
(416) 585-8126 (212) 642-1743 OR
At the InterContinental during the
Annual Meeting at (416) 597-1400
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