Bouhan Falligant Attorney Benjamin Karpf Discusses Laws and Policies for Today’s Online World
Benjamin Karpf, an attorney at Bouhan Falligant with expertise in intellectual property issues and technology matters, addressed Buy Local Savannah businesses at The Pirates’ House on Thursday, June 27, 2013.
Buy Local Savannah is an organization dedicated to supporting locally owned, independent businesses in Savannah. Karpf talked about recent developments in legal matters related to copyright law, the Internet, mobile devices, social media and related technology.
“Laws that have existed in the offline world for a long time, such as copyright infringement, defamation, trademark violations, still apply online,” Karpf said. “Because there are few, if any, laws directed exclusively at social media, online service providers have developed internal policies to address potential legal disputes that arise in the social media context.”
Karpf referenced recent events in which the unauthorized use of copyrighted materials and trademark infringement forced businesses to take down online material. He explained those instances could significantly hurt small businesses relying upon online traffic to their web or social media pages.
Karpf gave an overview of the Federal Trade Commission’s new guidelines that cover advertising online through social media. And he pointed out the laws that apply to endorsements in traditional advertising also extend to the online world. For instance, a blogger who receives a complimentary product must make a clear and conspicuous disclosure in any online discussion or review of the product.
Considered one of Georgia’s “Legal Elite” in the field of intellectual property law, Karpf is experienced in technology and media matters.
Bouhan Falligant
Bouhan Falligant is a full-service Georgia firm of experienced attorneys devoted to finding practical solutions to client problems. Bouhan Falligant’s attorneys handle a broad-range of complex legal needs for financial, corporate, educational, small business and professional clients, as well as individuals, throughout the region and nation. Through 125 years of practicing law, the firm has developed the deep knowledge base and sound judgment that delivers value to the clients. For more information, please go to www.bouhan.com.
Buy local
Buy Local is about educating the buying public on the availability of competitive, enthusiastic service from local providers. The group meets monthly to learn about the opportunities and issues related to operating a locally based firm and to exchange ideas and success strategies with local entrepreneurs. There is a sense of loyalty generated amongst the membership. Buy Local raises awareness that every dollar you spend at an independent local business creates up to 3 ½ times more local economic benefit than dollars spent at a chain store.