Odin Law and Media (OLM), a law firm specializing in digital media and game development, is representing the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) and streamer CodeMiko in a Supreme Court case.
What’s the Case About?
In an amicus brief filed with the United States Supreme Court, OLM contends that the USPTO’s mandate requiring all trademark applicants to disclose their domicile addresses is an unnecessary overreach that poses significant risks to individuals and businesses, particularly those in the dynamic and often target-rich realm of digital entertainment.
Why is This Important?
Many creators and small businesses utilize their home addresses as their business addresses, inadvertently transforming their personal residences into potential targets for online harassment and other forms of abuse.
The Argument
The firm argues that compelled disclosure of home addresses exposes trademark applicants, especially those operating in the gaming and digital entertainment sectors, to heightened risks of harassment and privacy breaches.
It fails to consider the unique risks faced by creators like game developers, who are vulnerable to online harassment (“doxing”).
Brandon J. Huffman, founding attorney at Odin Law and Media, emphasized the importance of procedural fairness in rulemaking, stating
“Ensuring that administrative bodies engage in fair notice-and-comment rulemaking is fundamental to the democratic process. This case underscores a failure to provide adequate notice or solicit meaningful input from those most impacted by the rules, particularly affecting individuals in the digital entertainment and game development sectors where privacy concerns are paramount.”
Jakin Vela, executive director of the IGDA, echoed these sentiments, adding
“Transparency and protection of personal information are critical in the digital age. The requirement to disclose domicile addresses without adequate safeguards fails to recognize the unique risks faced by creators in the digital space, like game developers who are particularly vulnerable to doxing and other forms of harassment.”
Odin Law and Media’s Role
By representing the IGDA and CodeMiko in this pivotal case, Odin Law and Media reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the privacy rights of individuals and businesses within the digital entertainment industry while advocating for responsible and transparent government practices.
