SBM Section Name Change Reflects Rapidly Changing Developments in the Law

1/9/08

The State Bar of Michigan’s Computer Law Section has changed its name to the Information Technology Law Section to more accurately reflect the enormous growth in the practice area.

“The initial focus of the section was on software licensing, but the law has really expanded since then,” said Kimberly Paulson, chair of the section. “For instance, our members work with IT outsourcing agreements, website and internet agreements, intellectual property law including software patents, and a variety of litigation issues, including e-discovery. Our membership is extremely diverse, made up of large law firm members, educators, prosecutors, in-house counsel, and solo and small firm practitioners.”

In order to address the wide range of legal interests of its members, the Information Technology Law Section produces a newsletter and publishes an annual survey on developments in the practice area. The section’s signature event, the Spring Networking Happy Hour at the Dirty Martini in Novi in May, offers an opportunity for members to network. The section website is also undergoing a redesign to give members one place to access information such as a calendar of events, podcasts, newsletters, and a directory of relevant links. The Section will also offer greater substantive programming options this year including a likely collaboration with ICLE in the fall.

The Information Technology Law Section will hold its next council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 29 at the Cooley Law School Auburn Hills campus. Topics on the agenda include a discussion of legal rights and risks emerging in virtual reality worlds, including Second Life. There is no charge to attend the council meeting and you need not be a section member to attend.

For more information on the SBM Information Technology Section, contact Kimberly Paulson at paulson@millercanfield.com.

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