What is a domain name?
All computers on the Internet have a unique identifying number called an Internet Protocol address. The Internet Protocol address is what a computer uses to find an Internet site. Unfortunately, it is not intuitive or easy for people to remember.
A domain name is the unique name that corresponds with an Internet Protocol address. It is both intuitive and easy to remember.
For example, IP Australia's Internet Protocol address is 203.21.147.134 but most people access the web site using the domain name, which is www.ipaustralia.gov.au - much easier to remember!
In Australia, you cannot register your trade mark as a domain name unless the trade mark is the same as your legal entity name (i.e. business or company name). The rules and policies for registration of domain names in com.au may be viewed at www.auda.org.au.
You can also register a domain name as a trade mark, provided that it meets the requirements of the Trade Marks Act.
Registration of a business, company or domain name does not automatically give you the right to use that name as a trade mark. You should check the trade marks database before registering a business name, company name or domain name in order to avoid infringing someone else's trade mark.
Who administers business, company and domain names?
Business names are administered by the local Business Names office in your State or Territory.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission is responsible for the administration of company names. They have Business Centres in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Geelong, Gold Coast, Hobart, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Sydney and Townsville.
.au Domain Administration Ltd (auDA) is an Australian not-for-profit company vested with the responsibility of operating the .au domain for the benefit of all stakeholders.
Strategies to protect your IP
Don't give away your most valuable asset!
You may lose your legal right to ownership of an innovative product or idea if you make knowledge of your IP public too early.
Be diligent in safeguarding and maintaining secrecy, communicating your legal rights and, if necessary, defending your rights through legal action. Legal protection will help preserve your intellectual investment and ensure that only you can turn your ideas into a commercial reality.
You can protect your IP by using one or more of the following strategies:
Commercial strategies such as:
Formally registered rights:
Automatic rights (no formal registration required):
Legal protection:
- under common law-for infringements of trade secrets, passing off of trade marks and breach of confidentiality agreements;
- under consumer protection (fair trading) legislation in the Trade Practices Act.
Combining various strategies will maximise your protection and the potential of your business.
This information has been taken from the Australian Government Site ....Click to visit this site.
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