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The article discusses the provisions of the Data Accountability and Trust Act of 2009 (DATA) that was already approved by the U.S. House of Representatives and is awaiting authorization by the U.S. Senate to be signed into law. The bill defines personal information as a person's name, address, phone number and other information, including Social Security and passport numbers and is aimed to combat identity theft. The proposed law will be regulated by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

The article reports that two new rulings in the U.S. add some clarity to the muddy clash between the First Amendment and so-called right-of-publicity laws, intended to give people the right to control the use of their identity. One case involves civil rights activist Rosa Parks' challenge to the rap group OutKast, who used her name as a song title. In May the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Parks was entitled to a trial because the song-which wasn't about her-arguably exploited her name only as a selling tactic, which is barred under right-of-publicity laws. Golf player Tiger Woods brought a suit against artist Rick Rush, who was selling prints called "The Masters of Augusta" depicting Woods.

Discusses the decisions of some children to change their names. Opinion of a psychologist that the practice should be discouraged early; How adults can make name-changes legal for their children in the United States; How the author's daughter Emily, altered the spelling of her name after her sister was born. INSET: Hot Seat, by Lisa McLaughlin.

The article presents several court rulings in the U.S. Children of divorced parents are not allowed to change their last name to that of their stepfather if their natural father has continued to support them. A driver who is arrested due to suspicion of being drunk has the right to call a lawyer before allowing himself for a blood alcohol test. A company has a right to force older employees to retire if the company is in a difficult situation.

The article reports on victory of retail chain Target in a legal battle concerned with usage of activist Rosa Parks name in its merchandise. Topics discussed include recognition of Parks as first lady of civil rights by the U.S. Congress, her violation of a law relating to vacating seats for white people by African Americans, her name's ownership obtained by a non profit organization Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self-Development and non requirement of consent for name usage.

The article profiles U.S. educator, women's rights activist, photographer and dog trainer Terri Tepper. According to the article, Tepper and her husband, lawyer Lawrence Weiner, worked to establish laws in the U.S. permitting married women to retain the use of their maiden names. The article discusses Tepper's association with the group the National Organization of Women (NOW) and her role in establishing the organization the Board of the Center for Women's Own Names.

The article discusses the statutory and common law rights to control publicity as outlined in Wisconsin Statute Section 995.50(1). Topics mentioned include what kinds of names can be used to identify plaintiffs, the value of a name as property to be defended, and the extent of privacy law as it affects noncommercial uses.

The article discusses the government regulation of baby names, looking at naming laws in countries such as New Zealand, Germany, and the U.S. as well as studies on the effects of names on people. The article examines legislation which prevents parents from naming their children unusual or offensive names, names which contain letters from foreign alphabets, and names which use rare characters. Other topics include name changes, unusual names, and laws about surnames.

The author discusses a claim for unlawful use of a person's name, likeness or personal attributes for an exploitative purpose. Claims that apply to the unlawful use include the invasion of the First Amendment's Right of Privacy. Some conditions for a claim of unauthorized use are discussed. An overview of cases involving athletes who filed a lawsuit against the College Licensing Co. (CLC), Electronic Arts Sports and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is given.

Answers a question on the legality of using names of famous people in nonfiction novels. Information on the law imposed by the U.S. government that protects the use of famous people in nonfiction and fiction novels; Risks associated with the use of names of living people.

Informs that National Basketball Association (NBA) legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has filed a lawsuit against National Football League (NFL) player Karim Abdul-Jabbar so that the football player will stop using his name. When the basketball player changed his name; The Muslim faith of both men.

Reports that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a retired basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers team, and Karim Adbul-Jabbar, running back of the Miami Dolphins football team, reached a settlement in a trademark infringement lawsuit. Controversy over the similarity of the men's names; What terms the parties agreed on; Reference to the name change of the men in accordance to the Muslim faith.

The article focuses on the use of the personal names in connection with business or the sale of merchandises in the U.S. It states that it's a common misperception that people have an absolute right to use their own names in connection with their business or the sale of merchandise. The US trade mark law provides certain qualifications on someone's right to use their own name to avoid a likelihood of confusion with a senior user of the same name.

Reports on New York State Supreme Court Justice David Saxe's ruling barring Natalie Lloyd, live-in girlfriend of Broadway producer David Merrick, from using Merrick's last name.

Announces the grant of court permission to Natalie Lloyd to change her last name to that of Broadway producer David Merrick, her live-in lover. Reasons for the name-change petition; Effect of change of name on spousal claims.