Domain name trade marks

Domain names are a vital business tool and valuable commercial asset. Although it is not commonly addressed, domain names also form an important part of a business’ intellectual property portfolio. As a result, it is essential that all businesses protect their online investment by way of registering relevant domain names and, if necessary, applying for trade marks incorporating such domain names.

We work with our clients to identify relevant domain names within their IP portfolios and protect these assets, through:

• freedom to use and register domain names;
• the registration of domain names;
• operating domain name watching services for potentially conflicting domain names;
• renewing domain name registrations;
• the assignment or licensing of domain name registrations;
• enforcement issues and dispute resolution;
• undertaking IP / domain name registration audits; and
• formulating policies and strategies for managing and maintaining your domain name registration portfolio, and for integrating them with your trade mark portfolio.

As the volume of business carried out online increases, domain names are now an integral part of a company’s branding and IP protection strategy. We continue to work with our clients to ensure a holistic approach to their IP protection is adopted.