Domain name protection: Broadening horizons

A domain name technically is an internet address identifying a computer site or a website to the internet. In commercial parlance, a domain name can be described as a virtual platform where a brand conducts business and takes up residence.

However, there have been various incidents where entities have incorporated names of established brands and well-known trademarks in their domain names with an aim to exploit the goodwill and reputation attached to such brands. This dishonest practice of copying or incorporating established and well known brand names or trademarks in domain names has been considered a violation of intellectual property rights of the proprietor of such brands/trademarks.

Evolving process

The administration of domain names within the “.in” (India) category is overseen by the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI). Under NIXI, the IN Registry functions as an autonomous body with primary responsibility for maintaining the .IN ccTLD (country code top-level domain) in accordance with the .IN Dispute Resolution Policy (INDRP), formulated in line with UDRP rules and procedure passed by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).

Pravin Anand is the managing partner of Anand and Anand and Shrawan Chopra is a partner at the firm