Drawing on more than one hundred domain name decisions involving football clubs, this article explores how cybersquatting has evolved beyond the registration of domain names to become the foundation of broader online abuse, including phishing, counterfeit sales, impersonation, and coordinated fraud campaigns.
The BVLGARI UDRP decision is a timely reminder that not all domain extensions carry the same level of risk. Some are far more likely to reinforce the credibility of online fraud. This article explores how brand owners can prioritise the extensions that matter most and adapt their domain name protection strategy accordingly.
Professional footballers are building valuable portfolios of trademarks, domain names and digital assets. This article explores how intellectual property and Online Brand Protection help safeguard players against cybersquatting, counterfeiting and online fraud.
A recent decision of the Paris Judicial Court in Chanel v. Kamad Reworked provides important guidance on the legal limits of upcycling under trade mark law. The court held that incorporating Chanel-branded components into newly created jewellery resulted in the manufacture of an entirely different product, preventing reliance on the exhaustion of rights doctrine. The decision also highlights the limited effectiveness of disclaimers and authenticity certificates when a renowned trade mark remains the dominant element perceived by consumers. More broadly, the ruling reflects a growing international trend in which courts seek to balance sustainability objectives with the protection of trade mark owners’ investments, reputation, and brand value.
Starting on July 7, 2026, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) will assume responsibility for administering Nominet’s Dispute Resolution Service (DRS) for .UK domain names. While the transition marks an important development in the management of UK domain name disputes, the DRS itself remains unchanged. Its rules, mediation process, expert panel, and appeal mechanism will all continue to operate as before. This article examines what is changing, what is not, and why the DRS remains one of the most distinctive domain name dispute resolution systems in the world.
A German court decision recognising copyright protection for the body shape of the Stratocaster, the historical limitations Fender encountered in its efforts to secure three-dimensional… Read More »Stratocaster: When Copyright Comes to the Rescue of an Iconic Shape
The .LATINO gTLD does not refer to a single territory or language. It evokes a transnational cultural space shaped by Latin languages, migration, music, media, and digital identities. As the sunrise period opens, some brands may see in .LATINO far more than just another domain name extension.
The 2026 cycle is approaching, and the application window is already set. In this context, companies are not lacking interest in dotBRANDs, but often in… Read More »DotBRAND 2026: The Time for Reflection Is Running Out
From May 2 to 6, 2026, the International Trademark Association (INTA) will hold its Annual Meeting in London. This major event will bring together several thousand intellectual property professionals from around the world to discuss developments in trademark law and the growing challenges of brand protection in the digital environment. The IP Twins team will be present.
The sunrise period for the .play gTLD is open until 9 March 2026. Behind this dynamic extension, operated by Charleston Road Registry (Google), lies a… Read More ».PLAY: A New Strategic Window for Trademark Owners
