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New cooperation agreement on IPR between the EU and China

Symbole copyrightAfter ten years of ongoing dialogue, the European Union and China have signed an agreement to strengthen their cooperation on the protection of intellectual property rights, last December. The collaboration extends to all fields of intellectual property through the implementation of twenty framework activities, with an overall budget of 10 million euros over the next three years.

 

The agreement provides for the adoption of relevant European and Chinese laws, in line with a close collaboration between authorities, the publication of intellectual property databases as well as an enhanced cooperation on customs matters. In an environment of digitization, the objective is to pool resources for the protection of innovations. The agreement also promotes economic and commercial development between the EU and China in the long-run.

 

The European Union and OHIM experts are already in Beijing, in order to implement the collaboration with China. OHIM President, António Campinos, stressed on “the importance of the EU-China cooperation in a globalized economy”.

 

This collaboration follows a previous agreement signed in 2009 between China and the European Union.

 

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Community Trademark: FEMIFERAL and FEMINATAL trademarks ruled as similar

Symbole copyrightOn the 11th of April 2013, the Court of Justice of the European Union in the case of ASA Sp. Z o.o. v Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (Trade Marks and Designs) (OHIM) has pronounced itself on the likelihood of confusion existing between the trademarks FEMIFERAL and FEMINATAL both filed in class 5 concerning pharmaceutical products for children.

 

The company ASA Sp. Z o.o. has filed the trademark “FEMIFERAL” with OHIM on 18 September 2006; however, Merck sp. Z o.o. who is the proprietor of the prior trademark FEMINATAL has rapidly initiated an opposition proceeding. OHIM has then ruled in favour of Merck sp. Z o.o. on 19 November 2010.

 

The company ASA Sp. Z o.o. has challenged the OHIM and the General Court of the European Union upheld through the decision of Asa/OHMI – Merck on the 22nd May 2012 rejecting all its demands; formed an appeal in front of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).

 

The Court rejected the appeal ruling that the trademarks were similar and constituted a likelihood of confusion. The Court did not retain the argument that the prefix “FEMI” will be understood by average consumers as being products dedicated to women, hence, despite of its location in the pharmaceutical field, it is referring to average consumers and not to the relevant public.

 

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“2014: the year of the launch of .paris”

business-dreyfus-81-150x150The 100 pioneer domain names of .PARIS have been revealed on last 21st February, but this is just a stage in the project of this new gTLD.

paris programme EN

Firstly, it is important to note the 100 pioneers will be able to benefit from an address with .PARIS as from May 2014 during an exclusive period of 6 months whereas other domain names will be visible and accessible for sale only by the end of the year for the general opening.

Moreover, a Sunrise Period of 3 months will be opened for trademark owners as from the month of September 2014. The domain names reserved during this period will be allocated and available online only at its termination.

The new domain names are classified in various categories: Ambassadors (7), Business (8), Ecosystem and Individual Parisians (78), and Namespace Mandate (5). These will be granted to registrants for 3 to 5 years and they are:

  • livraisons-restaurant.paris: Service connecting restaurateur making deliveries with clients,
  • m.paris: Service allowing creation of an address like mon.adresse@m.paris,
  • accessibilite.paris: Service of referencing accessible locations and equipment irrespective of the disability,
  • reservation-hotels.paris: Service of hotel reservations in Paris approved by the Office of Tourism, and
  • bandb.paris: Service of room reservations in guesthouses

In fact, there are 98 domain names out of which two have been reserved by the City of Paris for the general opening.

The City of Paris also proposes a procedure to oppose to pioneer names before the 21st March 2014. The request can be presented by any person providing evidence of its interest to act on absence of the Pioneer’s legitimate interest and on his bad faith.

The economic contributions of pioneers amount to 416 000 € in addition to the contribution in kind (for e.g. marketing communications aiming at enhancing the notoriety of the candidate’s project and the .paris project).

Find the list of the domain names in the press release of the City of Paris here.

Our consulting firm is at your disposition to advise you on the forthcoming Sunrise period.

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European Union: Willingness to harmonise the concept of trade secrets

Symbole copyrightThe concept of trade secrets is far from being uniform in different EU countries. Some countries have never penalised trade secrets infringement. Consequently, offences increase constantly and nearly one in five companies have suffered from at least one infringement to secrets in the last ten years. Therefore, in the framework of UE 2020 strategy under the “Innovation Union”, the European Commission has proposed a Directive to harmonise the definition and the sanctions of trade secret misappropriation.

 

The protection of trade secrets is particularly significant since it impacts on small and medium sized enterprises. Indeed, larger companies do not have difficulties in defending their innovations because they possess tools like industrial property rights (patents, trademarks…). However, their costs are often excessive for SME who attempt to protect their secrets more traditionally.

The European Directive aims at offering a more adequate protection and effective remedies for European enterprises. The displayed objective is to facilitate common and collaborative projects within the Union in order to allow the new knowledge. This directive will reinforce the trust of enterprises, inventors and innovation researchers.

The challenge will be found within the means to harmonise with the past; the measures must adhere to a modern approach and propose innovative solutions. The response to dishonest practices concerning trade secrets within the Union must be strict and dissuasive.

 

The protection of trade secrets seems to be a relevant leverage of growth limiting the danger for small enterprises which will no more fear investing in innovative researches.

 

A Directive to be closely monitored…

 

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Inactive Domain Names and Fight against Cybersquatting: the Swiss scenario

business-dreyfus-81-150x150By an application of Swiss law, a WIPO expert has made an innovative decision by requiring the transfer of a domain name pointing to an inactive website (DCH2012-0021 Cash Converters Pty Ltd. against Mr. Botana Adolfo Miguel Rojo).

 

In the Expert’s opinion, the fact that the website attached to the litigious domain name has not yet been activated does not diminish the risk of confusion. Its registration could indeed presuppose imminent activation, which could lead to a preventive action for counterfeiting in accordance with the article 55. litt (a) of the Swiss Trademark Act.

 

Moreover, even if he does not apply these dispositions, the Expert notes that the Swiss Unfair Competition Act could be applicable to this kind of situation. Indeed, article 2 of this law asserts that is “unfair and unlawful to allow any conduct or any commercial practice which is misleading or which infringes the rules of the principles of good faith and affects relations between competitors or between suppliers and customers“.

 

However, it seems that there may be a difference between inactive domain names which are identical to a registered trademark and those which are only similar. While the first category can effectively obstruct the commercial development of a competitor by preventing the latter from offering goods and services via a domain name which reflects its own trademark, this is not the case in the second category.

 

In France, the Courts have made a very different ruling. Indeed, the Supreme Court has stated on numerous occasions since the Locatour decision (Commercial Division, December 13, 2005) that a domain name must be active before infringement can be recognized, unless in the case of a well-known brand (TGI Paris 3rd, 3rd Sec, October 29, 2010, Free c / Osmozis).

 

As for the UDRP process is concerned, the Experts are divided. If some adamantly refuse to consider that an inactive domain name may infringe a trademark right, others consider that it is appropriate to take all the elements into account to assess possible infringement, including public awareness of the brand.

 

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Sunrises Calendar – February 27th 2014

business-dreyfus-81-150x150This week, the Sunrise periods for the new gTLDs .DOMAINS, .LIMO and .CAB will end, but other strings are coming such as the .BLUE, the .WED, or the .移动 which means “mobile” in Chinese.

 

The Indonesian registry has recently made second-level domain names available. A Sunrise period for Indonesian trademark owners is already opened since January 20th and will run until April 17th, 2014. It will be followed by a Grandfather period where third-level domain names owners (.CO.ID or .WEB.ID) will be able to claim their corresponding .ID names.

 

We remind you that a Trademark registered in the Trademark Clearinghouse along with the corresponding SMD file is required to register a domain name during a Sunrise period.

 

1) Sunrises ending in the next 10 days

TLD Sunrise starts
Sunrise ends
domains 31/12/2013 01/03/2014
limo 31/12/2013 01/03/2014
cab 31/12/2013 01/03/2014
company 31/12/2013 08/03/2014
computer 07/01/2014 08/03/2014
academy 07/01/2014 08/03/2014
center 07/01/2014 08/03/2014
management 07/01/2014 08/03/2014
systems 07/01/2014 08/03/2014

 

2) Running Sunrises

TLD Sunrise starts Sunrise ends
ceo 10/02/2014 12/03/2014
support 14/01/2014 15/03/2014
onl 14/01/2014 15/03/2014
builders 14/01/2014 15/03/2014
solutions 14/01/2014 15/03/2014
training 14/01/2014 15/03/2014
email 14/01/2014 15/03/2014
berlin 14/02/2014 16/03/2014
在线 (online) 16/01/2014 17/03/2014
中文网(network) 16/01/2014 17/03/2014
kiwi 16/01/2014 17/03/2014
buzz 15/01/2014 18/03/2014
онлайн (online) 16/01/2014 18/03/2014
сайт (site) 16/01/2014 18/03/2014
camp 21/01/2014 22/03/2014
education 21/01/2014 22/03/2014
glass 21/01/2014 22/03/2014
institute 21/01/2014 22/03/2014
repair 21/01/2014 22/03/2014
gift 27/01/2014 28/03/2014
build 27/01/2014 28/03/2014
guitars 27/01/2014 28/03/2014
link 27/01/2014 28/03/2014
pics 27/01/2014 28/03/2014
coffee 28/01/2014 29/03/2014
florist 28/01/2014 29/03/2014
house 28/01/2014 29/03/2014
international 28/01/2014 29/03/2014
solar 28/01/2014 29/03/2014
club 28/01/2014 29/03/2014
photo 28/01/2014 29/03/2014
farm 11/02/2014 02/04/2014
holiday 04/02/2014 05/04/2014
marketing 04/02/2014 05/04/2014
luxury 05/02/2014 06/04/2014
democrat 05/02/2014 07/04/2014
dance 05/02/2014 07/04/2014
rich 06/02/2014 07/04/2014
agency 18/02/2014 09/04/2014
zone 18/02/2014 09/04/2014
bargains 18/02/2014 09/04/2014
viajes 11/02/2014 12/04/2014
codes 11/02/2014 12/04/2014
cheap 18/02/2014 19/04/2014
boutique 18/02/2014 19/04/2014
ninja 19/02/2014 21/04/2014
immobilien 19/02/2014 21/04/2014
nagoya 20/02/2014 21/04/2014
cool 25/02/2014 26/04/2014
tienda 25/02/2014 26/04/2014
watch 25/02/2014 26/04/2014
works 25/02/2014 26/04/2014
social 26/02/2014 28/04/2014
reviews 26/02/2014 28/04/2014
futbol 26/02/2014 28/04/2014
wien 11/02/2014 30/04/2014

 

3) Sunrises to come

TLD Sunrise starts Sunrise ends
pink 11/03/2014 11/04/2014
red 11/03/2014 11/04/2014
shiksha (education) 11/03/2014 11/04/2014
kim 11/03/2014 11/04/2014
移动 (mobile) 14/03/2014 13/04/2014
blue 14/03/2014 13/04/2014
wed 17/03/2014 18/04/2014
moda 09/04/2014 09/06/2014
voting 15/04/2014 16/05/2014
kaufen 16/04/2014 16/06/2014

 

 

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The first 100 “.PARIS” domain names are revealed!

business-dreyfus-81-150x150On November 26, 2013, the town of Paris has launched a pioneer program. It revealed the first 100 domain names bearing the extension .PARIS on February 21, 2014.

 

The candidates for the new extension have been chosen according to their editorial project. Businesses, associations or even bloggers could submit their applications. The Paris City Hall has announced its intention to acquire a strong digital identity and to make the town become a digital territory conducive to innovation.

 

Among the lucky winners, the town has selected the RATP which has acquired the domain name <metro.paris> and which intends to display a “revolutionary” map of Paris transports on its website. The inevitable <toureiffel.paris>, the Grand Palais or the Fauchon grocery will also aim at improving the virtual image of the town.

 

“This extension reflects innovation in Paris, and has a symbolic value, where we are opening a new cycle”, said Jean-Louis Missika, deputy mayor of Paris in charge of innovation who chaired the Jury responsible for the screening of the 310 applications. And, during his visit to Paris, the chairman of ICANN, Fadi Chehadé, added: «I am pleased to see the energy deployed by the town of Paris. This achievement must be a model for all the towns around the world”.

 

The first websites using the extension .PARIS will be accessible in Spring and will be available to the general public at the end of this year. The list of the 100 pioneer domain names is available on the website of the town of Paris.

 

Dreyfus can help you to manage your presence on the web or issues relating to your domain names. Do not hesitate to contact us for further information.

 

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.GURU: the new gTLD that appeals most

business-dreyfus-81-150x150The .GURU is available to the general public since February 5 2014.

 

This extension, intended for gurus of all kinds, is at the forefront and still breaks records among the new gTLDs. Indeed, according to the website registrarstats.com, the number of domain names registered in .GURU stands today at 39139 names!

 

For comparison purposes, here is the list of the first 10 new extensions classified according to the number of registrations:

GURU 39139
PHOTOGRAPHY 23488
TODAY 10308
TIPS 8019
TECHNOLOGY 7951
BIKE 7915
CLOTHING 7803
DIRECTORY 6906
GALLERY 6804
LAND 6356

 

Some names are already on sale. On sedo.fr, the website for the purchase/sale of domains, the names are available as from 45GBP and the offers are up to nearly 20000 USD, but there are also many names for which we can propose an offer.

 

Our firm is available to register your domain names in .GURU or in any other extension.

 

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WHOIS databases: what’s new?

business-dreyfus-81-150x150WHOIS databases are particularly useful for finding information on domain name holders. Their name (who is) clearly indicates their purpose, which is to provide essential information about protagonists with regards to a domain name and especially concerning the name reservation date, the registrant, the administrative contact details or the registry office of the domain name. In summary, WHOIS is the database of domain names registered with a registrar or a registry.

 

In application of the Affirmative of Commitment (AoC) of 30 September 2009, ICANN is responsible for implementing existing policy regarding the WHOIS, under the auspices of applicable legislation. To this effect, the Registrar Accreditation Agreement (RAA), a contract by which ICANN accredits a registry office, outlines their obligations, especially concerning the accuracy of WHOIS data. The latest accreditation contract, the RAA 2013, came into effect on 1st January 2014. The registry office is required to take all reasonable measures in the event that inaccuracies within the WHOIS database are notified by “any parties”.

 

The present WHOIS service has a number of weaknesses and needs to be reformed to adapt to the digital world and e-commerce in particular. An Expert Working Group was formed by ICANN in 2013 to examine the registration service for gTLDs. The aim is to replace the current service with another, the Aggregated Registration Data Service (ARDS), by which the data would only be collected, validated and shared for authorized purposes such as spot checks, domain name research or to protect personal data. In addition, only certain data would be available to authorized enquirers who would be held accountable for its use.

 

Currently this project has not been finalized since questions remain outstanding relating to costs and implications. The Group is awaiting community feedback on their initial proposals before going further. And already a number of contentious issues have been raised…the project will need time to be developed and adapted before being launched.

To be followed…

 

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Nathalie Dreyfus speaks on cyber-bullying in the programme “The 51%” on France 24

business-dreyfus-81-150x150Online harassment has developed from the web 2.0 as well as from the advent of the social networks, thus differentiating from physical harassment.

In “The 51%”, Nathalie Dreyfus relates on the particularities of virtual harassment and the means to solve it with Olivia Salazar-Winspread. Harassment suffered by woman is alarming. However, procedures currently set up by social networks are inadequate and unclear. Changes are afoot, but will not be instantaneous.

The broadcasts of the programme are scheduled as follows:

16:45:00               Friday 14/02
05:45:00               Saturday 15/02
13:10:00               Saturday 15/02
22:45:00               Saturday 15/02
09:45:00               Sunday 16/02
14:45:00               Sunday 16/02
19:15:00               Sunday 16/02
00:45:00               Monday 17/02
17:45:00               Monday 17/02
10:16:00               Tuesday 18/02
16:16:00               Tuesday 18/02

The programme “The 51%” is also visible on the website of France 24.

 

With its expertise, Dreyfus & associés can help you to better manage your presence on internet. Do not hesitate to contact us for any information.

 

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