Part 1 of this three-part series on intellectual property law in virtual worlds discusses trademark rights as applied to virtual goods. Part 2 addresses patent rights, including how patent rights can be obtained based on actions performed in virtual worlds, and whether patent rights are enforceable against virtual infringers. Part 3 delves into copyrights: how they can be obtained based on actions performed in virtual worlds, and how to protect your rights when your copyrights are infringed in virtual environments. 28 Nov 2008
With South Africa fast becoming a hotbed of design talent now hosting its own annual Fashion Weeks, the expansion of the Fashion TV (FTV) empire into SA has found a loyal community of trendspotters and followers; now reaching 348 million viewers in 202 countries on five continents. Now for the first time, aspiring South African fashionistas will have the chance to join the global hunt for the esteemed FTV runway title. 28 Nov 2008
Experian FootFall Index shows shopper numbers increase in Hong Kong but decrease in the UK for two consecutive months. 28 Nov 2008
It's not every day you hear scores of men arguing over whose is the smallest. But in the modern world of mobile computing, it's a conversation that's becoming increasingly common. 28 Nov 2008
Local wine producer Leopard's Leap will be sponsoring the prestigious 11th annual British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs) where some of Britain's best-known actors have been nominated for awards in London this weekend. 27 Nov 2008
Feed Our Nation has received its first corporate contribution from the Nedbank Retail Banking Services in the form of a R15,000 donation to support orphaned and vulnerable children of South Africa. 27 Nov 2008
Retailer Massmart yesterday issued an upbeat trading update, telling shareholders total sales in the first 21 weeks of the 2009 financial year were up by more than 13% and undertaking to keep an eye on costs while expanding its business. 27 Nov 2008
The National Credit Regulator's (NCR) Credit Bureau Monitor reported 17.17 million credit active consumers for the quarter ending June 2008, of which 10.38 million consumers were in good standing, while 6.79 million consumers had 'impaired records'. 27 Nov 2008
South Africa's targeted Consumer Price Index (CPIX), excluding mortgage rate changes, slowed for the second consecutive month to 12.4% year-on-year in October, indicating that there might be a cut in interest rates. 27 Nov 2008
Even the scrap business is down and out these days. 27 Nov 2008
The article was originally written for US online retailers, but it applies equally to our own here in South Africa, for in almost every mention of the US, one could substitute SA - for example in the weakness of the currency compared with the euro. The European market presents us with a challenging but real opportunity. 27 Nov 2008
Normally, we think of robots as humanoid and self-aware, like Rosie or Data. Some day, they might be more like that, but robots are here in our homes today, cleaning our floors and even making our coffee. What does the future of human-robot relations hold? 27 Nov 2008
Contact centre outsourcing providers are suffering thinning margins and lower contract volumes as the downturn bites, leading to an increasing appetite for diversification into adjacent business processes. 27 Nov 2008
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Shares in one of Britain's best-known high street retailers, Woolworths, were suspended here on Wednesday amid talks to rescue the firm, the company said. 26 Nov 2008
Retail is a tough sector to be in. The harder pill to swallow is the fact that the prevailing market conditions look set to stay that way until at very least the second quarter of 2009. 26 Nov 2008
Wholesaler Massmart Holdings today reported total sales growth of 13.3% and comparable sales growth of 12.3% for the first 21 weeks of the 2009 financial year. 26 Nov 2008
The amount of hospitality packages sold for the 2010 FIFA World Cup is far beyond what Germany sold in 2006, says FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke. 26 Nov 2008
Packaging Digest's 2008 study of sustainability in packaging demonstrates the issue's enormous impact and how US packagers are adjusting their operations to meet customers' new requirements. 26 Nov 2008
The results of the 4th Commercial Producers Industry Survey 2008, just released by the Commercial Producers Association of South Africa and the Gauteng Film Commission, indicate that the sector continues to produce a relatively stable number of commercials, using more shoot days, for higher budgets per commercial. 26 Nov 2008
