ICAST 2009 Seminars

The ICAST seminars are sponsored by ASA. All ICAST seminars are free to ICAST attendees. All seminars will be held in Room W202C in the Convention Center. All seminars are subject to change.

A Taxing Issue—The Federal Manufacturers’ Excise Tax on Sportfishing Equipment
Presented by Freda George, Tax Analyst, Excise Tax, and Jack Brown, Excise Issue Specialist, Excise Tax, IRS

Wednesday, July 15 • 11:00 a.m. – Noon

Paying the federal manufacturers’ excise tax on fishing gear is part of doing business for every manufacturer. During this session, specialists from the IRS will explain how the tax is applied using various business models and also explain the sportfish manufacturers’ responsibility for tax payments including imports, payment scenarios and terminology. The IRS will also review the IRS Director’s Directive,updated in January 2009,which is the most recent update regarding the excise tax.

Your Federal Manufacturers’ Excise Tax Dollars – Where Do They Go?
Presented by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Wednesday, July 15 • 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Paying the federal manufacturers’ excise tax on fishing gear is part of doing business for every manufacturer. But how are those dollars used? During this session, representatives from state fish and wildlife agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will explain how funds from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund are used for fisheries access and conservation.

Design and Utility Patent IP Protection for Fishing Tackle and Marine Products
Presented by Marc Gorelnik, patent litigator, and Richard Ogawa, patent lawyer, Townsend and Townsend and Crew, California

Thursday, July 16 •  11:00 a.m. – Noon and 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (repeat)

In today's global marketplace, it is increasingly important for manufacturers and distributors to understand and stay one-step-ahead of the tactics employed by copyists. The fishing and marine products industry is particularly susceptible to counterfeit and black market or 'grey market' products, resulting in a significant loss of revenue and customer loyalty. It is also important, however, to understand the limits of patent protection. This session will cover design and utility patent protection available to inventors and manufacturers, from the acquisition of intellectual property rights to enforcement tactics and remedies. Whether you make or distribute lures, line, rods, reels, trolling motors or accessories, you will profit from this presentation.