In 1999, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (“ICANN”) adopted the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) which established a system for dispute resolution between owners of internet domain names and trademark owners. The UDRP allows a trademark owner to file a complaint with various administrative bodies, such as the National Arbitration Forum, by

When a business selects a trademark under which a product or service will be sold, it hopes to develop brand loyalty among its customers and have them come to know the trademark in the market place. As part of the strategy to create a brand, it is prudent to seek federal trademark registration for the name in order to help protect the business’ rights to use the trademark.
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In November 2003, the United States joined many other countries in signing a treaty called the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks (the “Madrid Protocol”). The United States Patent and Trademark Office (“PTO”) has just recently created forms and procedures to implement the Protocol in the United States. The Madrid Protocol is designed to provide a more efficient method for an owner of a trademark to register its trademark in a number of foreign countries.
Continue Reading Obtaining International Trademark Protection and the Madrid Protocol