By Jonathan McMichael
(ASU Law, class of 2014)
Social media has transformed the way that friends and even acquaintances interact, creating an entirely new alternative to traditional modes of communication. But is it possible that the “social” aspect of social media is becoming a misnomer?
A recent survey of marketing professionals revealed that 83 percent of respondents held social media to be an important part of their business strategy. In a world where business is mixed with social media, the lines defining ownership have become increasingly blurred. A number of recent disputes have led federal courts to consider whether intellectual property law can be stretched to protect what is arguably one of a company’s most valuable assets: its online following. In my article, “Social Media Beyond the Social Sphere,” I explore the implications of extending IP protection to a company’s social media contacts. Read the article here.