Volume Three Abstracts
Internet Law Symposium
January - April 1996
Boston University School of Law's Center for Law & Technology and the law firm of Testa, Hurwitz & Thibeault presented five public symposia on Internet Law in Spring 1996.
Internet Entrepreneurs, New Traffic Patterns and Policy Issues
Abstract
Participants discussed the new commercial possibilities created by the Internet. The panelists addressed methods of Internet finance such as venture capital, advertising, and meter-based charges. Small start-up Internet technology firms approach the Internet with a different business strategy than do larger, more established firms. Panelists discussed whether the Internet is perceived of as merely another communications medium like the telephone, or whether it represents a completely new model.
Panelists
Richard J. Testa, Esq., Managing Partner, Testa, Hurwitz & Thibeault
Thomas C. Siekman, Esq., Vice President and General Counsel, Digital Equipment Corporation
Peter Marx, Esq., President, The Marx Group
Mr. Marv Goldschmitt, Vice President -- Marketing, FreeMark Communications, Inc.
Moderator
Dean Ronald A. Cass, Boston University School of Law
Protecting Software and Information on the Internet
Abstract
As the keynote speaker, Ms. Samuelson presents developments in the last five years affecting the protection of computer software and the special problems arising from the Internet. Ms. Samuelson notes the apparent lack of copyright protection for computer code and look-and-feel. Other panelists discuss the possible protection of software through private contract, alternative models of intellectual property protection, and the changing face of copyright law.
Speaker
Professor Pamela Samuelson, University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Visiting Professor of Law, Cornell School of Law
Panelists
Associate Professor Maureen A. O'Rourke, Boston University School of Law
Mr. Omar Khudari, President Papyrus Design Group, Inc.
George S. Takach, Esq., Partner, McCartney Tetrault
Moderator
Steven M. Bauer, Esq., Partner, Testa, Hurwitz & Thibeault
Pornography: Free Speech or Censorship in Cyberspace
Abstract
Michael Godwin opens the session by describing how the new Communication between indecency and obscenity. The panel elaborates on the restrictions the new Act places on First Amendment freedoms and the difficulty in advising clients, especially service providers, under the new Act. The panel compares Internet infrastructure providers to booksellers and cable operators. Finally, the panel predicts Supreme Court review of the Communications Decency Act will be forthcoming.
Speaker
Michael Godwin, Esq., Electronic Frontier Foundation
Panelists
Margaret K. Seif, Esq., Vice-President -- Legal Affairs, AT & T
Corp., Division of New Media Services
Mr. Lar Kaufman, Boston University School of Law, Class of 1998
Moderator
Professor Frederick M. Lawrence, Boston University School of Law
Financial Services: Security, Privacy and Encryption
Abstract
Technology, including the Internet, is changing the financial services industry. The panel discussed the effects of digital money on the banking industry and the consumer. Encryption and privacy issues are of paramount importance as financial services become increasingly computerized. Specifically, without encryption technologies, electronic financial services will not reach their full market potential.
Speaker
Valerie J. McNevin, Esq., Principal, Center for the Public Trust
Panelists
John Doggett, Bank of Boston
Ms. Gail Bronson, Consultant, InternetAssist
Mr. Michael J. Schmelzer, Boston University School of Law, Class of 1997
Moderator
Professor Thomas Cashel, Director, Banking Law Center, Boston University School of Law
Lawyer's Online: Discovery, Privilege and the Prudent Practitioner
Abstract
The keynote speaker, John Jessen, shared his experiences counseling clients on electronic discovery matters. The panel discussion examined how technology is changing the discovery process. Specifically, the panel addresses changing technology and the court system, whether the current civil procedure and evidentiary rules are adequate to cope with changing technology, and how electronic discovery is perceived by the business community.
Speaker
Mr. John H. Jessen, Managing Director, Electronic Evidence Discovery, Inc.
Panelists
The Honorable William G. Young, U.S. District Judge, U.S. District
Court, District of Massachusetts
Professor Robert G. Bone, Boston University School of Law
Moderator
David J. Byer, Esq., Partner, Testa, Hurwitz & Thibeault