On June 12, 2013, Mr. Beckler spoke in front of approximately 35 advertising agencies and marketing firms on the subject of drafting and negotiating agency of record and other types of service agreements in conjunction with a seminar hosted by the American Association of Advertising Agencies. Mr. Beckler explained the dynamic between the client and agency and covered key legal issues including indemnity, extended payment terms, termination, ownership, exclusivity and warranties.
Mr. Beckler also discussed whether federal/state taxing authorities would treat a worker as a freelancer/independent contractor or an employee and the consequences of such determination. Finally Mr. Beckler briefly touched on the growing problem of the patent troll as agencies continue to expand their presence in digital media and the creation of apps.