Saturday 23 January 2010

Role Of Trademarks In Cyberspace

By Alex Finn

In this era of extensive internet use, trademark laws gain particular significance in the cyber world, particularly with respect to trademarks for domain names. This is quite critical in light of the fact that your domain name communicates your identity and also highlights your services to the consumers.

A domain name that has been trademarked not only enables you to sue persons infringing your mark and making use of it as their own but also protects you from being looked upon as the owner of their website that might be using an identical or remarkably similar domain name as yours.

However, you should undertake a search for presence of similar domain names to see if your proposed mark is violating any of the already existing ones. Your research must ensure the fact that your trademark is unique and does not resemble others in sound, meaning or spelling. It is crucial to trademark a domain only after properly confirming that it does not infringe upon any trademarks.

For attaining this, it is advisable to hire the services of a cyber law attorney, who can guide you in cyber related trademark issues. This will not only help you avoid infringement claims but also save you from possible disputes.

You should be mindful of the fact that the domain name you are intending to trademark must be more than an ordinary web address to bring users to your site. It must be an identity that differentiates your services from others.

In addition to violation of domain names, keyword infringement has come up as a new problem in virtual domains, which means infringement of original trademarks by their unauthorized use as keywords in advertisements on Yahoo, Google etc with a purpose to puzzle the consumers or to dilute the genuine trademark.

Making use of such a keyword is not tantamount to a violation if the promotional ads result in boosting sales of the goods or services behind the original trademark, but it is an infringement if the advertiser starts making use of it as a tool for competing against the trademark owner.

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Factors To Consider When Building A Modern Office

By Xaris Ruiz

Office designs have transformed a lot since the times when they were popular just as good looking luxurious designs that served no utilitarian objective. Today it is an accepted fact that good office design not only manifests the corporate culture of the company, but it also increases the productivity of employees and plays an important role in staff retention.

Transparency, flexibility and sustainability are the three underlying principles that you need to keep in mind when building a modern office. These objectives cannot be achieved unless a wise choice of office interior design and office system furniture for the new setup is made, and for this some critical factors need to be taken into account.

First of all, the work that will be carried out inside the office on a daily basis has to be identified and understood. This along with the floor area of your office will help you suitably finalize on the interior design. While developing the layout you also need to consider the current workforce and how it is likely to increase in the next few years.

Together with the space for office desks and other office system furniture, you need to reserve space for meeting rooms and cafeterias. Recreational zones, which can contain things like pool tables or chessboards, are also very important as the staff can use them to unwind after long periods of work. Besides, the whole planning of the office should be such that the available space is used efficiently and without leading to any clutter.

A theme of minimalism and use of refined and soothing colour schemes that would not distract the employees are key aspects of a perfect office interior design. It should also be well lit, with sufficient sources of natural light.

Contemporary office system furniture with its chic looks and adaptability to meet employees' needs raises the productivity of the workforce and gives customers a better impression about the firm. However, select only such office desks and office chairs that are ergonomically built so that employees' fitness is not put at risk.

If you want to project an environment friendly image of your company then you can go for 'green' office furniture. It is manufactured from organic fabrics and recycled materials, which will help your firm contribute towards environmental preservation. In addition, you can choose energy efficient lights and other office equipments that will help you cut down your energy usage.

When designing your office, it is important that you appoint an expert and experienced office interior designer who can ensure that your office becomes easy and safe to work in, while also be beautiful to look at.

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8 Great Jobs For Those With An Online Information Technology Degree

By Mary Jackson

Why not have an awesome career doing something you already love? For example, do you enjoy testing the newest software products on the market? Do you like to work with computers and learn new programs? Then, you need an online IT degree. After graduation, here are some of the fantastic jobs needing talented people like you: Interface designer, Systems analyst, Database administrator, Software Support Software engineer, Computer engineer, Computer programmer,Network Administrator.

Each of these careers is rewarding and necessary as more and more companies are in need of those who can use this technology to further their businesses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, over half of all computer programmers have at least a bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field. This means that earning a computer science degree online will increase your chances of finding your dream job.

What education will you receive with an online IT degree?

A career in Computer Security, informational technology, or any of the other dream careers mentioned, can be attained with an online degree. The quality of education is exactly the same. However, you can still be gainfully employed and maintain a family life. Forget going to class, study when most convenient, and do not fight for a parking space. Attend classes online from the comforts of home. While you are earning an online IT degree, expect to learn the following and more: Hardware and software design, Software development, Troubleshooting, Networking, Data Security, Database management, Web design, Develop security plans.

In truth, many companies have a department exclusive to IT professionals who understand how to maintain and secure networks. The ability to stay in communication with customers, vendors, employees and others is the difference between failure and a successful and growing business. Computer systems and companies dealing in the manufacturing industries are always on the lookout for new talent to create hardware and software for customers. In fact, the employment opportunities open to individuals with technological expertise means you can explore many different fields and pick the one you enjoy the most.

How to choose an online IT degree

First, where do you see yourself five years from now; what information technology degree will get you there? When making the determination, bear in mind the job market. Some computer related occupations like information security and support are on the rise, while the need for programmers is decreasing.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, over the next few years, computer support positions are expected to increase by 13%. This means that you should choose a program that allows you to easily find employment immediately upon graduation. A computer degree online that focuses on a certain area within computer science is best if you have a particular talent in that area. You can also choose to become a generalist that specializes in a number of areas. Another pointer is to ensure you choose a computer science or IT program from an online college that is accredited.

Earning a degree in computer science or one of the many disciplines listed above can help you advance your career in one of the hottest fields today. There are many opportunities for employment once you graduate. While some fields as not a plentiful as others, your chances of finding employment are increased if you have a college degree in Computer Science or IT.

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Learn Spanish For Your Next Trip To Latin America?

By Dr Jay Polmar

My story: I had a challenge. I needed to move to Mexico for my health and retire, and I spoke English, a few words of French from high school, about 12 words of Spanish which could wind me up in fight or jail, yeah - mostly cuss words, and some other languages from living in a multicultural neighborhood as a child.

Luckily, I met Reuben Varela, a well known Restauranteur at the Balneario Hot Springs in San Juan Cosala, Jalisco, Mexico and Gerardo Tolentino, an English teacher who was teaching 1st year English.

Reuben pushed me to find ways of studying and practicing Spanish, and Gerardo help me create the Gringo Guide. I was the gringo -- and I definitely had to have a guide to get me through the experience of living here in Mexico.

We searched the internet, and books on Spanish, and listened to conversations in the English speaking sections of restaurants in Ajijic and San Miguel de Allende where most of the gringos hang out.

By the time we were finished, so was the book and we had part of it recorded so that pronunciation would be no problem for anyone to learn. The book was finished and put up on our site speedread.org

Now, you can speak like native in Spanish speaking countries/Mexico. It's that easy.

The audios cover every pecularity of pronounciation in the Spanish language. The printed book will fit in your shirt pocket for use whenever you want.

The audios cover every pecularity of pronounciation in the Spanish language. The printed book will fit in your shirt pocket for use whenever you want. The electronic pdf will fit on pocket devices to help you communicate on the spot with electronic support.

So, when someone says: Que quieres tomar? You'll immediately know the answer -- una marguarita, por favor. Or, una coca, limonada, cerveza, or whatever you want!Fulfill all your needs to communicate in Spanish for Spain, Mexico or Latin America?

The book comes with a full guide, by sections to learn, use, and get answers to all your questions. It's guaranteed to make your vacation -- fantastic.

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Do Distance Learning Degrees Impress Employers?

By Mary Jack

Distance learning degrees and online degree programs have become popular since the internet became a household name. This has opened doors to a great opportunity for those wishing to pursue further education. But just as it is with everything new, the internet has also presented challenges and created room for sale of unscrupulous degrees and diplomas. The figures released by USA Today indicate that in 2003, over 400 diploma mills were in operation and the number was on the increase. Surprisingly, this dubious operation of degree mills seems to be thriving in an industry currently estimated at $500 million per year.

Nevertheless, many colleges and universities are now offering legitimate degrees and diplomas. Unlike the mills, institutions of higher learning are doing everything possible to provide the same quality of education offered to students in the traditional learning environment. With access to video lectures, online courses, innovative online testing methods, and virtual library facilities, those seeking distance learning degrees can rest assured their diplomas have been justly earned. Unfortunately, many employers' views have been tainted because of the influx of fake degrees.

To address the misinformation, 6 accreditation agencies have been authorized by the U.S. National Education Board to weed out the unscrupulous bogus programs. Then, the agencies give accreditation to the colleges and universities that meet the minimum standards for legitimate learning institutions. In addition, the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) also provide accreditation specifically to distance learning schools. The DETC has the backing of both the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the Department of Education. Therefore the students can rest assured their education has matched, and often exceeded that of their traditional peers.

In addition, specific programs in specialized areas can obtain accreditation through the agencies associated with the subject matter. For example, the American Health Information Management Association provides accreditation for qualifying health programs; accounting programs are assessed by the International Association for Management Education. However, it only counts if the agencies are endorsed by the Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Why does accreditation matter to a student? A college accreditation agency evaluates the different aspects of colleges or universities against minimum standard criteria to determine if the particular institution meets set basic requirements that determine the quality of education it should offer. College accreditation is important to ensure that the quality of education, facilities in a college and support given by that college meets certain standards while specialized accreditation checks the excellence of specific programs regardless of the institution offering that program. Likewise it means specialized accreditation check on course content and the curriculum of the program against pre-determined standards of the distance learning college or university.

Accreditation assures employers, parents and students that a respective college awarding degrees has undergone and passed a stringent test of excellence in offering quality education in the respective areas of training. On the other hand, diploma mills and fake colleges don't meet the same standards of education imposed by the agencies since they don't possess any legitimate accreditation. Thus courses taken by prospective employees that are accredited by the respective agencies would have met standards imposed on the respective specialized areas.

Nevertheless, in the end, it all comes down to the discretion of the employer. He or she must decide whether potential employees have satisfactorily completed an online degree program. Hopefully, with accreditation through a well recognized agency, the confusion can be eliminated, and a valid resume will make it to the short list of excellent candidates with their distance learning degrees as an impressive symbol of fortitude and dedication to personal achievement.

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