Tom Barrett launches trademark search engine for Blockchain domains

Tom Barrett, founder of Encirca.com, has launched the market’s first trademark search engine for blockchain domains. The project is called https://altroots.com/

Tom was on a Podcast at GritDaily.com where you can here more about the new venture.

This is certainly an area that is gaining more attention from both brands and lawyers. Julie Tolek wrote an article on the topic of blockchains and trademarks.

The Use Of Blockchain In Trademark And Brand Protection was published on JDSupra.com and is worth a read if you are interested in the topic.

Earlier in the year I read, Unauthorized Blockchain Domain Names: What’s a Brand to Do? It’s a long piece but once again if you are interested in the topic a good read.

From the article:

From a brand owner’s perspective, one critical difference between traditional domain names and blockchain domain names is that blockchain domain names are outside of the ICANN traditional DNS system. Therefore, these domain names are not subject to any DNS-related rules that are in place to protect brand owners. For example, blockchain domains are not subject to alternative dispute resolution procedures such as ICANN’s Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (“UDRP”), or any requirements regarding the maintenance of accurate and transparent domain ownership information.

Another critical aspect of blockchain domain names from the perspective of enforcing brand rights is that once a blockchain domain name is distributed to an owner, only that owner may transfer ownership of the domain name. Entities that distribute blockchain domain names, such as ENS and Unstoppable Domains, reportedly do not empower themselves to transfer ownership or control over a domain name once it is distributed to the initial owner.