Country correspondent
Registration of domain names in the ‘.mx’ country-code top-level domain is rapidly gaining in popularity.Parties looking to register domain names or defend their interests in Mexico need to look carefully at theIP assets they hold and be aware of additional types of protection that may be available
The management and regulation of ‘.au’ domain names are subject to a number of peculiarities that arecommonly misunderstood. Among other things, there are strict eligibility requirements, prohibitions onsale and limitations on transfer to take into consideration. Key differences between the policy governing ‘.au’domain name disputes and that used for generic top-level domains also exist
With the emergence of new practices such as domain name tasting, brand owners must reinforce theirprogrammes for procuring, administering and monitoring domain name registrations. Such measures arean essential counterpart of any thorough brand protection regime
With over 2.4 million ‘.eu’ domain names registered since its launch a year ago, the ‘.eu’ domain is certainlyproving popular. Despite early teething problems the sunrise periods gave rights holders the opportunity toregister their key domain names. The alternative dispute resolution procedure established provides a furthermechanism through which rights holders can enforce their IP rights
The management of domain names in Germany, as in all other jurisdictions, requires careful planning anda detailed knowledge of the peculiarities of the domain name registration and protection systems. Notably,alternative dispute resolution does not exist in Germany; however, the use of court procedures can quicklystop cybersquatters in their tracks
In order to ensure efficient domain name management in the jurisdictions making up Benelux, mark ownersmust take into account both general rules and the specifics of local case law
Features
As the default courts for EU-wide Communitytrademark and Community design disputes betweennon-European parties, the courts in Alicante are ofcrucial importance to mark owners outside theEuropean Union. In the time since their creation in2004, they have been busy clarifying their level ofjurisdiction and their functions
Earlier this year OHIM published the results of itssecond user satisfaction survey. The findings showthat while progress has been made, there is still somework to be done
The success of E&J Gallo Winery has not only made afamily name famous around the world, but has alsotested how well a personal commitment to the valueof trademarks can translate into a brand strategy
In March this year the US Court of Appeals for theSecond Circuit issued a decision which challengesthe understanding that the 'famous marks' doctrineis applicable in the United States
Community designs are powerful and flexible rightsthat should be part of most IP owners’ portfolio.However, while technically a success, they have notattracted as much interest as could have been expected
Singapore is making progress towards becoming aregional IP hub by amending its already maturetrademark law
Columns
Ensuring that all employees understandthe importance of trademarks to thebusiness should be part of everycompany's brand protection strategy
The European approach to enforcing rightsagainst counterfeiters has so far beencharacterized by a lack of cohesion, withnational courts too quick to apply localrules. Greater use of the option to refermatters of EU law to the European Court ofJustice will help to develop unified tacticsin the fight against counterfeiting
A growing number of foreign trademarkowners are seeking trademark licensingopportunities in China to exploit thecommercial value of their marks.However, they often overlook the issue ofquality control
As the federal courts are split over thelegality of keyword advertising, one statehas passed a law banning such practice.But the statute’s constitutionality andenforceability are questionable
News
Roundtable
With a large, relatively wealthy population, the United Kingdom is aEuropean jurisdiction that no trademark owner can afford to ignore
