The Licensing Journal: Privacy Issues in the Internationalization of Character-Related Websites
Cleveland partner Deborah Wilcox, Ohio coordinator for the firm's Intellectual Property, Technology and Media Practice, co-authored an article, "Privacy Issues in the Internationalization of Character-Related Websites," with former Baker Hostetler associate Rosanne Yang, which was published in the April 2008 edition of The Licensing Journal.
According to the authors, "Through their Web sites, many character licensors endeavor to keep their products fresh, relevant, and attractive to consumers. The online offerings may include surveys, electronic newsletters, and product-related updates. Licensors may offer games or other activities on their Web sites to keep consumers, particularly children, coming back. During these online communications with consumers, licensors often collect certain information about their users, raising various privacy concerns. Launching a character-driven property internationally compounds Internet-related privacy issues."
The article goes on to discuss some key international privacy issues/concerns, including:
- Local language/local site
- Personal data
- Defining age of children
- EU directive vs. member states'
- Data transfer