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November 13th 2007
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Blog Archives
Google Sued by Northeastern University and Start-Up
November 12th 2007
Northeastern University apparently holds a patent on techniques for parallel data processing, useful in dividing search requests between multiple computers. It exclusively licensed the 1997 patent to a Waltham-based start-up, Jarg Corporation. Lawyers who had seen a presentation on Google’s data search processes tipped off Jarg executives to the possibility of infringement. There are several factors […]
Got Subpeonas? New Database of Online Speech Threats
November 11th 2007
Harvard’s Citizen Media Law Project has introduced its newest service, a Legal Threats Database to catalog the growing number of lawsuits, cease and desist letters, and other legal challenges faced globally by those engaging in online speech. It organizes cases using standard forms to make it easy to check their status and trial details. So […]
Truly Fair Disclosure: RSS First, Before the Press Release
November 8th 2007
“I wonder how far off we are from ceasing to issue traditional press releases altogether… after all, no news agency could possibly suggest they reach a greater portion of the planet than the internet.” – Jonathan Schwartz, CEO & President Sun Microsystems Sun Microsystems President Jonathan Schwartz announced on his corporate blog that financial […]
Chicago Architecture Foundation Case Uses Pay Per Click Ads to Establish Jurisdiction
November 6th 2007
The Case: Domain Magic LLC, a Florida-based company, registered the domain chicagoarchitecturefoundation.org. They developed a website about Chicago-area attractions, then passively generated revenue through Google AdWords. The Chicago Architecture Foundation sued for trademark infringement in Illinois. Domain Magic filed a motion to dismiss the case for lack of personal jurisdiction, noting they had not conducted […]
Today, Trade-Marks & Technology in Toronto
November 5th 2007
I’m in Toronto to podcast presentations of three expert trade-mark professionals: Keltie Sim, Brian Wynn, and Catherine Douglas. I hope to share some specifics they discussed, and link to the recordings over the next few weeks. //And yes, while here in Canada, I’m spelling trademark “trade-mark” in respect of local practice.// Here are some thoughts […]
Online Porn: Regulating the “Elephant in the Middle of the Room”
November 3rd 2007
This week, two diverse publications–The Christian Science Monitor and Wired Magazine–asked the same question: “Are we going overboard in regulating adult content?” I attend at least a dozen online-industry events a year, and listen to podcasts, read blogs and pay for research from countless industry pundits. And in each case, the online adult entertainment industry, […]
User Allegedly Hacked Second Life to Pirate Thousands of Digital Products
November 2nd 2007
Virtually Blind reports a group of leading content creators on Second Life have filed a lawsuit in the Eastern District of New York against Thomas Simon, aka Rase Kenzo. The items in the complaint represent nearly every type of product for sale in Second Life including avatar clothing, skins and shapes, scripted objects, furniture, and […]
Activist Lawsuit Links Target Corp. Website to ADA Requirements
November 1st 2007
Executives of bricks and mortar stores take note. In fact, anyone conducting online commerce should review Judge Marilyn Hall Patel’s opinion in the National Federation of the Blind v. Target Corp. This is the first ruling to suggest that a retailer may be sued if its website is inaccessible to the blind. Until this ruling, […]
Patriots vs. StubHub: Do Anti-Scalping Laws Prevent Beneficial Markets?
October 28th 2007
The case: In November 2006, The New England Patriots sued Ebay’s StubHub claiming they encouraged ticket holders to resell game tickets, contrary to a “ticket holder agreement”. That same month, StubHub countersued claiming that the Patiots were restricting lawful commerce. Last week the Patriots were granted a discovery request forcing StubHub to turn over contact information […]
About Dave Wieneke, Digital Strategist
The future of digital experiences will be built by strategists who grasp the full array of emerging business, social, and technical models. Specialties in user experience, branding, application design, and data science are laying the foundation for richer user experiences and business models breakthrough products and revenue based marketing.
UsefulArts is a soapbox to discuss the front line of digital experience, and the agencies and platforms that enable it. Digital business needs a cadre of leaders who can connect c-level enterprise thinking with the ways these new interaction models can help organizations to matter more to their most important stakeholders.