Originally created to help users easily locate computers and people on the Internet, domain names have evolved into important business identifiers. This development has brought them into conflict with traditional systems of trade and business names that are protected by
South African trademark laws can apply to domain names, provided that the domain name is a registered trade mark. Registering a domain name as a trade mark is possible but can be complex. Domain names that are similar to existing
Domain names, like trade marks, are assets to any business and it is thus essential to have a domain name strategy in place. Protecting a domain name is important to protect the company brand. A domain name is registered in
When a new trade mark is proposed, the first step is to conduct a trade mark availability search. This search determines whether the mark is available for use and registration. It is important to identify if a third party already
