Where Is This Wave Taking Us? An Update on Social Media

Modern architectural design and practice demand instant communication and increased transparency. Design collaboration and project development are no longer confined to the physical studio. Communication, technology, and standards of care are being challenged by new ways of digital interaction, such as social networking. This workshop will identify key risks inherent in participating in mass communication on globally-accessible sites and will focus on strategic solutions to help protect your reputation, your firm’s reputation, and your intellectual property while taking advantage of evolving technology.

Program Learning Objectives:  (1 hr CES)

• Learn how to minimize potential risks by reviewing and revising existing company policies and/or developing new policies to address the ethical, professional, and legal implications that are in play when firms and their employees engage in Web 2.0 activities for business communication, hiring, branding, business development, and other purposes.
• Identify key practice and risk management concerns and exposures which can arise from design collaboration, including communication, technology, standards of care, and conflicts, and identify key legal provisions for standards of care and potential conflicts.
• Discern who actually owns the work and designs produced in the firm; understand what rights owners, employees, and independent contractors have in protecting against “third parties” using your designs; identify and safeguard the different types of intellectual property found in your organization, such as copyrights and trademarks, when using social media.
• Understand the wide range of labor and employment issues related to social media use by employers and employees, including the potential for discrimination claims when social networking sites are used for recruiting purposes.

Social media has been described as the most significant change agent since the Industrial Revolution in the way the world communicates and transacts business. As organizations in the United States and around the world adopt social media tools to communicate with clients, potential clients, employees, and global audiences once out of reach, there are business risks as well as potential benefits to be considered.

Keating Muething & Klekamp’s Evolving Media & Technology (EMT) Team is comprised of attorneys from multiple disciplines focused on helping business clients strategically adopt emerging technology and communication tools while being mindful of potential legal issues.

For additional information, please see: http://www.aiacincinnati.org.