Cybersquatting: Violation of Trade Marks, Intellectual Property Laws in Pakistan

Abstract

Internet has substantially expanded, and it has become a widespread platform for commerce and trading. In the case of a company, goodwill refers to the intangible asset. A company's ability to differentiate its goods and services from those offered by other companies in the same industry and to convey any existing goodwill in the market is facilitated by using a trademark. In recent years, many companies have begun to reach out to their clients using online marketplaces such as social media and websites. The domain name of an internet website plays an important function in assisting clients in recognizing a certain company when interacting in cyberspace. The process operates on a "first-come, first-serve basis," any person or company may try to acquire the domain names of already-established enterprises. A practice known as "Cybersquatting”, occurs when individuals register domain names with the fraudulent object of selling to already established companies and operating a company in their name by misinterpreting their domain name. This research examines the notion of cybersquatting in Pakistan, and its effects in globalized society, and how World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has been playing a significant role in preventing the act of cybersquatting.