INTA supports events aimed at protecting brand owners and consumers as they navigate the Internet and use the Whois database

NEW YORK, NY – October 29, 2007 – The International Trademark Association (INTA) today announced it’s strong support for the Whois database, which is an important agenda item at the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers’ (ICANN) 30th International Public Meeting in California beginning on October 29th, 2007.

INTA, along with the Intellectual Property Constituency (IPC) and The Commercial and Business Users Constituency are working together to promote the 30th International Public Meeting being held in Los Angeles, California, from October 29th to November 2nd, 2007. The week-long series of events includes topical information sessions and panel discussions, and culminates with a vote on the future of the Whois database.

“The Whois database is exactly the type of consumer and brand owner protection tool that we need in our arsenal against cyber crime,” said INTA Executive Director, Alan Drewsen. “For too long now, fraudulent tactics on the Internet have targeted everyday online users and legitimate brand names and owners; Whois helps shift that balance away from criminals by empowering Internet businesses and users,” affirmed Drewsen.

The Whois database, a free online directory, is important for brand owners and consumers because it:

•         Shows website ownership information for domain names

•         Includes complete contact information

•         Is available to every Internet user

•         Is used by businesses to verify customers

•         Is used by IP and law enforcement to protect brands and prevent consumer fraud

On Monday, October 29th, at 8:00 A.M. PDT in the Marina Room of the Hilton Los Angeles Airport, INTA board member J. Scott Evans will moderate an informational briefing, which will highlight the important topics surrounding the Whois database, how it protects brand owners and Internet users, and its future as a powerful consumer protection tool.

All members of the media are encouraged to attend the event as Claudio Di Gangi, INTA’s Internet and Judiciary Manager and newly-elected Vice President of the IPC, and a panel of speakers will be available for comment following the briefing. The Whois Informational Briefing will also be open via a conference call-in. To access the event live via phone, please dial + 1-866-747-9046 and enter code 3927888.

For more information on the protection of trademarks, please visit www.inta.org .

###

About INTA
The International Trademark Association (INTA), founded in 1878, is an association of more than 5,400 member companies and firms from more than 190 countries, dedicated to the support and advancement of trademarks and related intellectual property as elements of fair and effective national and international commerce. For more information on the Association and its goals, please visit www.inta.org .

For additional media inquires, please contact:

Matthew C. Schmidt (Primary contact)
Manager, Communications
+1-212-642-1727
mschmidt@inta.org

Daryl G. Grecich, CAE (Secondary contact)
Director, Marketing and Programs Strategy
+1-212-642-1707
dgrecich@inta.org