Russian-based non-domain TM squatter

Bender · Nov 26, 2005

some of you guys miss the point.
The trademark database purpose is to protect businesses, not to be used as a "get rich quick" scheme by some people.
If XYZ has a legitimate computer shop called "Apple" in Botswana, and "the" Apple company does not have a trademark there, let him protect his business by applying for a trademark.
But if XYZ tries to register the trademark without having any interest in computers, things are very clear.
There are international accords
in place.

Dale Hubbard · Nov 26, 2005

Yes, but the Madrid Union means little in the Russian Federation. Such accords are quite less than useless in practice. Notice e.g. Iran is a signatory.

labrocca · Nov 26, 2005

Also we are not talking about a domain name. We are talking actually about the TM for names IN RUSSIA! This only effects business for companies wishing to do business there. I do think it stinks but I just think that stocdoctors agression is at the wrong people. It is up to governments to work together to fix these problems. Already the US is working with China who imho is a MUCH bigger threat to intellectual property rights than any other country.