INTERNET AND DOMAIN NAMES

With the expansion of the Internet, the globalisation of the market for goods and services has become a reality. As many individuals and companies are now availing of the opportunity to sell their goods and services via the Internet, it is even more important to ensure that appropriate Trade Mark investigation/registration in respect of Trade Mark rights be considered.  Whilst the Internet represents a significant tool for the expansion of business, the adherence to sound principles of Trade Mark selection and protection apply even more. Obtain full advice from F. R. Kelly & Co. as to the considerations which must prevail in utilising the internet as a marketplace.

As a consequence of the increasing commercial traffic on the internet, considerable importance is now being given to the importance of protecting domain names.  Of particular importance in this regard is the upcoming availability of the .eu TLD.

The growth of e-commerce has given rise to a significant problem with regard to “cyber-squatting”. Essentially this involves the registration of a domain name by an individual or company who has no moral or legal claim to the domain name in question which normally constitutes either the Trade Mark or name of a company. Whilst the individual or company who has a claim to ownership of the domain name can now avail of an opportunity to recover its domain name, clearly obtaining a domain name registration in the first instance is a more sensible approach.

A domain name is of course not a legal right but merely an address on the Internet.  Notwithstanding this, considerable damage, dilution and repercussions can follow as a consequence of the unauthorised registration of domain names by third parties which incorporate an individual or company’s Trade Mark.  F. R. Kelly & Co. have established themselves as pre-eminent in the field of domain name registration on behalf of their clients and provide speedy and cost-effective protection for their client’s domain names. 

If you require more information please contact Sumi Nadarajah.