Article
What’s in domain?
By Pulkit Doger
A domain name can be used to uniquely identify an entity and can function as a source identifier on the world wide web. Elaborating on the anatomy of a domain name and the its registration, the author points out that second-level ‘names’ of the domain names are registerable under the Trade Marks Act, 1999 however, the authorities register domain names on a ‘first come first serve’ basis, sans a thorough conflict check. The article further discusses both the ways of dispute resolution in India with respect to domain names. It explains the .IN Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (‘INDRP’) and the Trade Marks Act, 1999. The author points out that while even the registration under the Copyright Act, 1957, for works that can be applied to goods and services, is subject to a search certificate from the Trade Marks Registry, no such mechanism exists for domain names. According to the author, there is the need for a mechanism for assessing domain names being registered to prevent duplicity of domain names and minimize confusion and deception amongst the relevant consumers...
Ratio decidendi
- Copyrights – Commonality of arrangement of known elements must be demonstrated for infringement – Bombay High Court
- Patent in pharmaceutical composition – ‘Comprising’, an open-ended term – Subsequent steps cannot affect earlier patent – Delhi High Court
- Statutory licensing – Broadcaster to comply with terms and conditions of Section 31D read with Rule 29(4) – Delhi High Court
- Trademarks – No scope of confusion when trade channels catering to different consumers are different – Delhi High Court
- Territorial jurisdiction to injunct foreign company not present in India – Mere accessibility and interactivity of website are not sufficient – Delhi High Court
News Nuggets
- Comparative advertisement when may amount to denigrating competitor’s trademark
- Royalties for broadcasting sound recordings and literary & musical works in sound recordings – Delhi High Court invites suggestions
- Trademark ‘Doctor PAN’ is not publici juris
- Use of even earlier mark of another party when fatal
- Territorial jurisdiction of Court – Offer of physical services in location
- Mark BURJNOIDA can be used for ongoing project though injunction granted against use of BURJBANGALORE, BURJMUMBAI, BURJDELHI, etc.
- WTO set to extend moratorium on non-violation and situation complaints in IP
- Inventive step – Admissibility of post filing data – Question referred to EBA
