Legal Issues in Cyberspace
by Eric Schlachter, Esq. and Neal J. Friedman, Esq.
How do I protect my intellectual property?
* Copyright — theory, law and application
* Trademarks — domain names, trade logos (see globe1.csuglab.cornell.edu)
* New trends in intellectual property law on the Net
The nagging jurisdictional problem
* The Thomas case (obscenity)
* Statutory limits on some types of behavior (i.e., gambling, insurance)
Contract Issues
* Issues in dealing with service providers
* Online contracts and disclaimers — enforceability and terms
Online Commerce
Liability for public statements and actions of users–what constitutes editorial control?
* Defamation: Cubby v. CompuServe, Stratton Oakmont v. Prodigy
* Copyright: Playboy v. Frena, Frank Music v. CompuServe, Religious Technology v.
Netcom
* Obscenity, viruses, inaccurate information, others?
Eric Schlachter is an attorney practicing in cyberspace law with the Silicon Valley law firm of Cooley Godward Castro Huddleson & Tatum. He has a law degree and an MBA in Entrepreneurial Finance from UCLA. He is an adjunct professor of Cyberspace Law at the University of San Francisco School of Law. He can be reached at schlachtere@cooley.com or (415) 843©5154.
Neal Friedman is lead counsel on Internet practices for Pepper & Corazzini in Washington, D.C. He also serves as an adjunct professor of law at American University. He can be reached at njf@commlaw.com or (202) 296©0600.