IGDA Challenges USPTO Requirement for Home Addresses
The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) has joined forces with content creator Youna ‘CodeMiko’ Kang and Odin Law and Media to challenge the US Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) requirement for companies to register their home addresses. This challenge comes in response to the Chestek PLLC v. Vidal case, which mandates that trademark applicants must provide their domicile addresses.
The IGDA and its partners argue that this requirement exposes developers and publishers to potential harassment and invasion of privacy. IGDA executive director Jakin Vela emphasized the importance of transparency and protection of personal information in the digital age, especially for creators in the gaming industry who are at a higher risk of doxing and other forms of harassment.
Odin Law and Media founding attorney Brandon J. Huffman highlighted the significance of fair notice-and-comment rulemaking in the democratic process. He pointed out that the lack of adequate notice and input solicitation from those most affected by the rules, particularly individuals in the digital entertainment and game development sectors, raises serious privacy concerns.