Intellectual Property in the World of E-Business: Trademarks, Trade Names and Domain Names

University of Phoenix Material

MEMORANDUM

UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX

DATE: October 28, 2015

TO:         Michael Boutot

FROM:   Tammy Lynette Harris

RE:         Intellectual Property in the World of E-Business: Trademarks, Trade Names and Domain Names

ARTICLE SYNOPSIS

        This article goes over the basics of how to understand how domain names, trademarks, and trade names are connected to each-other, as well as why they are so important to the virtual world. As companies rest on actual physical property/land an internet business rests on their “intellectual property” without these types of property neither type of business could properly function. “Intellectual property is a collective term that embraces trademarks, trade names, domain names, copyrights and patents” (mwe.com, Jan. 2002).

LEGAL ISSUE

According to the article you first have to identify your business, goods, and or services in the virtual world with some sort of trademark or trade name, but if you choose something that is too close to that of another company you could face an infringement law suit.

MANAGERIAL PERSPECTIVE

If you are going to be selling goods you need to make sure that even if similar to another’s product that yours is unique enough that you are not copying the other companies goods so that you again do not face a law suit, causing your company to both suffer financially but it could also cause your business to have to shut down for good as your company’s reputation/image could be permanently tarnished.