Along with everyone else cashing in on the success of the IPL, IPR firms do not seem far behind. With the objective “to protect IP, make a profit and increase brand valuation”, teams like the Deccan Chargers have opted to create an IP portfolio, including trademarks for team logos, copyright over player uniforms and website layouts.
The Mint reports that the exponential popularity of the IPL has led team owners to recognise the inherent brand value attached and proactively protect the same. Aside from The Deccan Chargers, the Kolkata Knight Riders seem to have also applied to the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks for protection of their mark in the fields of financial services, insurance, beauty care products (amongst others) and the Mumbai Indians have filed trademark applications for cosmetics, musical instruments and photographic equipment etc.
Apart from the more traditional protection, with the aggressive promotion in the real world has been coupled with a more defensive approach on the internet. The teams have opted to drive away cyber squatters by pre-empting unauthorized linking of team websites to other sites as well as pre-empting squatters from buying the team domain names.
With matches becoming more exciting, these concerns are definitely well founded. It certainly looks like it has become the Intellectual Property League!
hi,
regarding the point you made on internet – i think, its high time that india should join madrid system. This can, to a great extent, prevent cyber squatting and trademark infringement.
hi,
I agree. The madrid system is very important for any indian entrepreneur who wishes to expand his business globally. It will help in streamlining the administration of trademark portfolio. There will be one international registration wherein you can apply for trademark protection in other countries which are party to the madrid system. This will help in protecting the trademark considering the rise in e-commerce. I dont understand why we are not a party yet..
If they’re pre-empting domain name squatters, they probably want to do the same with twitter and smsgupshup names too. Otherwise, they’ll have to end up buying the names off http://assetize.com or some similar service