Global trademark professionals converged on Seattle, Washington this week as the International Trademark Association (INTA) held its annual meeting from May 16-21. ICA president Jeremiah Johnston was in attendance in his capacity as Sedo’s General Counsel to represent the company, which has been an INTA member since 2004.
While ICANN’s desire to move forward with their rollout of new gTLDs was a hot topic, the number of companies who paid to exhibit at the show also illustrates the growing market for trademark related services, such as corporate domain registration and online trademark protection services. With reports from WIPO being released (http://www.wipo.int/pressroom/en/articles/2009/article_0005.html) this spring highlighting a perceived increase in cybersquatting, the corporate service providers are finding an eager audience.
What’s alarming for the ICA and its members is the pervasive unawareness among trademark administrators and legal professionals of the notice-takedown procedures in place at respected domain service providers. Given the disproportionate costs associated complaint protocols versus legal and court fees, this low cost alternative needs more attention among the trademark community.