Odin Law and Media has filed an amicus brief with the United States Supreme Court. The law firm is representing the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), as well as streamer CodeMiko.
The case (Chestek PLLC v. Vidal) is challenging the rule that trademark applicants must provide their home address when registering a trademark. Odin Law and Media asserts that this requirement creates safety and privacy concerns for creative industries, including digital media, where people often work from home.
“Ensuring that administrative bodies engage in fair notice-and-comment rule-making is fundamental to the democratic process,” said Brandon J. Huffman, founder, Odin Law and Media. “This case highlights 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.”
Game developers and streamers often face targeted harassment. The IDGA put out a statement earlier this year. It can turn especially frightening when home addresses are found and shared.
“Transparency and protection of personal information are critical in the digital age,” said Jakin Vela, executive director, IGDA. “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.”
The case may have merit, and many developers and streamers face terrible doxxing harassment. Though the US Supreme Court hasn’t exactly been a bedrock of trust and justice lately.
