Did you know that some well-known food and drink varieties are protected intellectual property regulations? Popular types of drinks and foods that are protected by IP laws include Champagne, Kalamata Olives, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and Prosciutto di Parma. These protections have implications for domain name registrants.
According to a press release from the Council of the European Union, these IP protections are going to be strengthened by the EU. Interestingly, the press release specifically mentions domain names:
“greater protection of geographical indications including online, in domain names that contain geographical indications, via geo-blocking; to that end, the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has been entrusted to set up a domain name information and alert system”
There have been quite a few UDRPs filed against seemingly generic terms that are actually protected by intellectual property regulations. Some UDRP filings have succeeded – Parmigiano.org and Lambrusco.wine, while others have failed – Champagne.CO and Rioja.com. There are many others you can find via UDRPSearch.com.
Domain registrants who wish to purchase domain names of popular food and drink varieties would be wise to understand the IP protections first before buying these domain names.
