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The new generic top level domains are finally becoming available to domain name registrants. The first new domains available will be .biz and .info. .biz is trialling a unique service that enables trade mark owners to pay a fee to stake claims to domain names without registering them. The service, operated by NeuLevel, came into operation on May 19 and the notification period lasts until July 9. It enables potential registrants to be warned if their preferred domain name infringes any prior claimed rights, as well as warning those who have staked a claim if anyone else tries to register the same words. After July 9, .biz applications can be made and the .biz sites will be operational on October 1.

The Hong Kong Domain Name Registration (HKDNR) has finally relaxed domain name rules to allow companies to register multiple names under .hk, in a bid to boost the internet industry and facilitate e-commerce. Until now, it has been difficult for Hong Kong companies to differentiate their various products or services online but this problem ends on June 1, when they will be able to register more than one .hk domain name.

Pictured are some of the guests at the MIP and Questel Orbit four elements reception at the San Francisco Design Centre during the INTA Conference on May 6. The photos show members of MIP and Questel Orbit as well as representatives of firms receiving awards

In the spotlight: Woody Ritchey, Chief Executive Officer, Delphion

Trade marks are particularly vulnerable to becoming non-distinctive in Russia. Vitaly Kaliatin discusses four scenarios where this risk occurs and looks at how it can be avoided

The Baby-dry case is the first appeal to be heard by the Court of Justice in Luxembourg in proceedings concerning a Community Trade Mark. The Court of First Instance had decided not to register the term Baby-dry, used for babies nappies (or diapers). The court believed that the term is ineligible for registration as a Community Trade Mark. The examiner considered that the trade mark was descriptive of the goods for which registration was sought. She was of the opinion that Baby-dry was composed only of a simple combination of the non-distinctive words baby and dry. The mark therefore consisted exclusively of an indication which may serve in trade to designate the intended purpose of goods (Article 7 (1)(c) of the Trade Mark Regulation) such as those for which registration is sought, ie keeping a baby dry.

The UK domain name registry, Nominet, is amending its dispute resolution process. Sarah Harrington examines the proposals and reveals why they may cause concern to brand owners

Hiroshi Sheraton, McDermott, Will & Emery, London

After much debate and a long gestation period, the EU Council of Ministers finally adopted on April 9 the Directive on the harmonisation of certain aspects of copyright and related rights in the information society. At the time of writing, the Directive had not been published in the Official Journal, but this is likely to take place within a few weeks of April 9. Following publication, member states must implement the Directive in national law within 18 months. The intention was that the Copyright Directive should be implemented within a timescale similar to that for the implementation of the E-Commerce Directive, which must be implemented by member states by no later than January 17 2002. The Copyright Directive will have to be implemented by member states by about a year later than that. The Copyright Directive seeks to achieve a number of objectives. These include a degree of harmonization of copyright and related rights laws throughout the Community. The Directive also seeks to introduce protections for technical measures and rights-management information.

Franchisors who try to stop franchisees from selling outside their allocated territories in the EU may fall foul of competition legislation. Mark Abell analyzes how EU law is developing to cope with the internet