Network with hundreds of IP colleagues in Prague for the ECTA 41st Annual Conference ‘Exploring IP Magic’ from 28 June to 1 July 2023!

EARLY BIRD ENDS TODAY! LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER AT A DISCOUNTED RATE!

Among other interesting panels, we will discuss the protection of applied arts in a session moderated by Karel Šindelka (Šindelka & Lachmannová advokáti s.r.o. CZ):

1. Could you please introduce yourself and your link to ECTA?

My name is Karel Sindelka and I am an IP lawyer based in the Czech Republic. My focus is on the prosecution and enforcement of all kinds of IP, both in my home country and throughout the EU.

I have been a member of ECTA for the past 13 years, during which I have been actively involved in several aspects of the association, including serving as a member of the ECTA Supervisory Board and ECTA Internet Committee. I'm also proud to be a member of the Local Organising Committee for the upcoming ECTA 41st Annual Conference in Prague this June.

2. Could you please introduce the topic of your Conference session?

During the 6th session, entitled ‘Works of Applied Arts’ and scheduled for Friday, 30 June, we will discuss the protection of applied arts under different legal frameworks - including copyright, trade mark, design, and unfair competition - as well as analyse various concepts and legal requirements both in the EU and US practice. We will also examine landmark and recent case law, provide practical examples of IP protectability and enforcement of different objects of applied arts, and discuss the pitfalls and differences between various forms of protection of utilitarian objects.

Our session will particularly focus on the fashion industry and provide valuable insights into practical aspects of enforcing IP rights in this field.

3. Could you please introduce the panel of your Conference session?

I have the honour of moderating a panel of three distinguished speakers from the private practice and industry:

Dennis Cavanaugh is an experienced US attorney with over 30 years of experience in IP, international trade, and government regulatory compliance. He has represented clients in various industries and is currently a member of the ECTA Geographical Indications Committee and a former member of the ECTA Copyright Committee.

Alicia Martin is an IP counsel for Tommy Hilfiger with over a decade of experience in the fashion industry. She has been recognised as one of the top 300 corporate professionals by The World Trademark Review.

Carlo Sala is an Italian lawyer with over 30 years of experience in IP law. He has represented clients in all types of litigation before all courts in Italy and the competent EU bodies. He is a member of the ECTA Supervisory Board, Copyright Committee and SME Task Force.

4. Why should Conference participants join your session, and at whom in particular will your session be directed?

Our session offers a unique opportunity for participants to learn about the practical aspects of protecting applied arts from our excellent speakers. As Carlo Sala has recently pointed out, applied arts are an evergreen field of interest for both the industry and art world, which ‘have been contaminating each other since the very creation of the concept of applied art’.

All IP professionals seeking to gain knowledge and insights into this important topic are invited to attend this session.


5. Why should IP colleagues register for the ECTA Annual Conference?

The ECTA Annual Conference provides an excellent academic program, designed to address the latest trends and challenges in the field of IP. Participants are provided with valuable insights and knowledge that they can apply to their work.

In addition, Prague is a wonderful city which offers great venues for evening social events, allowing attendees to network in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.

With its combination of beautiful scenery, excellent networking opportunities, and top-notch educational programming, the ECTA Annual Conference in Prague is a must-attend event for anyone working in the field of IP.


**Find out more about the other educational sessions here!**