On July 10, 2024, during WIPO’s annual Assemblies, the WIPO Center hosted a Side Event for IP Offices and Country Delegates, discussing ways to enhance interaction between IP offices, national domain registries, and brand owners regarding domain names and trademarks.
The event was well-attend, both in person at WIPO and online.
The WIPO Center presented its recent activities relating to WIPO’s ccTLD Program, including the release of the updated WIPO’s ccTLD guide in six languages, an MOU with the Rwanda Internet Community and Technology Alliance (RICTA) concerning assistance on best practices and procedures for the online protection of intellectual property under .RW domain names, and a collaboration with NIC .DO Network Information Center to modernize its dispute policy into a paperless system.
The panel discussion emphasized the importance of the collaboration between IP offices and ccTLD registries to empower brands and build a trustworthy e-commerce ecosystem.
IP Australia and .auDA shared their experiences in working together to provide users relevant information on the relationship between trademarks and domain names. Similarly, OMPIC and ANRT shared their collaborative efforts including trainings, webinars and workshops.
We hope this event will inspire IP offices and national domain registries to establish similar partnerships and initiatives benefiting ccTLDs, and in particular small business in their IP portfolio management and dispute prevention.
These collaborations not only help users protect their brand online and promote user safety and e-commerce, but also reinforce national innovation ecosystems.
Further information: IP Offices and ccTLD Registries and Growing your Brand.
We extend our gratitude to all of our speakers, Grace Ingabire, Rosa Alí, Jasmin Taylor, Steph Viljoen, Benali Harmouch, and Afaf El Maayati for their excellent contribution.