ArentFox Schiff Launches Metaverse, Blockchain & Digital Assets IP Enforcement Task Force

Read The American Lawyer story here.

The IP Enforcement Task Force began advising clients in 2022 and leverages AFS’s internationally recognized Intellectual Property Practice and pioneering Metaverse, Blockchain & Digital Assets Industry team to advocate for new tools and resources to protect consumers and IP, monitor crucial legal developments, and develop and implement enforcement strategies for clients. 

“Like the Internet in the 1990s, this is a pivotal moment in the development of Metaverse and blockchain technologies,” said Chair Anthony Lupo. “For these technologies to thrive, we must have clear standards and policies in place that will protect intellectual property rights and reduce consumer fraud and deception. With this new task force, AFS will continue leading the way toward web3 that works for creators, developers, brands, and consumers.” 

“The decentralized nature of web3 technologies and the frequent absence of third-party intermediators to address infringement claims means that IP enforcement options are fragmented at best, and nonexistent at worst,” said Dan Jasnow, co-leader of the Task Force. “IP owners are just beginning to tap into the expansive business opportunities in the Metaverse, blockchain and digital assets, but this expansion comes with novel legal and technical challenges,” said Michelle Cooke, co-leader of the Task Force.

“That’s where our team has been able to get results. We have already been able to help clients navigate the complexities of the various virtual platforms and successfully stop infringing activities, as well as provide advice about defensive strategies,” said Elizabeth Cohen, co-leader of the Task Force. ArentFox Schiff’s IP Enforcement Task Force attorneys advise retail and e-commerce, media and entertainment, technology, sports, beverage and food industry leaders on high-profile matters of procurement, enforcement, and monetization of their IP rights and assets.

The Task Force’s efforts include:

• Development and implementation of comprehensive Metaverse and blockchain IP enforcement programs for major brands
   
• Consultation and collaboration with key industry stakeholders, regulators, trade associations, and standards organizations regarding best practice IP enforcement policies and mechanisms
   
• Training and educational initiatives for brand owners, developers, and other stakeholders regarding legal implications for IP in web3 ecosystems
   
• Industry research to identify current practices related to IP dispute resolution, enforcement mechanisms, licensing, and other factors that could affect rights holders and creators. 

For questions or to learn more about our IP enforcement task force, please contact Elizabeth Cohen, Michelle Cooke, Dan Jasnow, Helenka Mietka, or Yusef Abutouq.

IP Enforcement Task Force

The decentralized nature of web3 technologies and the frequent absence of third-party intermediators to address infringement claims means that IP enforcement options are fragmented at best, and nonexistent at worst. To help clients protect their brands, ArentFox Schiff has launched a first-of-its-kind IP Enforcement Task Force to tackle legal and technical challenges associated with the enforcement of intellectual property rights in the Metaverse and blockchain applications.