If you’re using email as part of your marketing strategy, you need to be aware that Canada has enacted a significant new Anti-Spam Law. The legislation, now known as Canada’s Online Protection Legislation (CLOP) is significant in that:

1. It contains an express affirmative opt-in condition. If you’ve got a form with an opt-out, it needs to be changed to a specific opt-in if you’re marketing in Canada.
2. Large fines may be imposed (up to $1 million per violation).
3. The legislation applies not only to email, but also to a number of other communication methods, including SMS, IM, and social media.

Enforcement is scheduled to commence this fall. Marketers would be wise, at a minimum, to start scrubbing lists to eliminate addresses that have not expressly opted in, and review their marketing forms. In addition, privacy policies may require review…your legal and/or compliance teams will be able to assist.

A good high-level review of the the new law and a link to the full text of the legislation appears on ClickZ.

LegalTech West Coast has ended, and in my day-after haze (or glow, as the case may be), I thought I’d share a few observations:

1. Project Management is the new buzz term. From the educational program to the trade show floor, project management is the latest hot topic. A Google search this morning for ‘legal project management’ returned more than 45 million results. And it’s not just about eDiscovery…project management philosophies are invading the law practice and in-house legal departments. The latest acronym LPM (Legal Project Management) is certain to send legal vendors scurrying to revisit their content and collateral. Over the next several weeks I plan to dedicate more time to this rising ‘category’ and report back on how LPM is impacting legal vendors.

2. An Interesting Combination of the Usual Suspects and Newcomers. Video conferencing was well represented. New video exhibitors included Vu TelePresence and Affinity VideoNet. As the demand for video capabilities increase, there’s no doubt they both will be busy.

3. The Best New Technology. After just a few minutes with the dynamic Matt Spiegel, CEO of MyCase, I was sold. Matt’s enthusiasm and real-world experience translates into an exciting new product that improves attorney-client relationships. MyCase can simplify the legal process for virtually every lawyer who deals directly with clients.

4. The Most Unusual Exhibitor. Ladybug Teknologies was another newcomer to the show. Their passion, socially responsible drinking, may not at first seem a logical entry into a legal technology event, but it has application to every professional in the industry. Using a small mobile device or BlackBerry application, you can quickly and privately measure your blood alcohol level.

Fortunately for me, I left my vehicle at the hotel and cabbed home after a wonderful event with the TransPerfect folks. They really know how to throw a party!