CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION committed to lifelong learning LAW SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA CLE INTERACTIVE SATELLITE SEMINAR THE NEW E-WORLD OF BUSINESS IN

CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATIONcommitted to lifelong learning

LAW SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA LAW SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA CLE INTERACTIVE SATELLITE SEMINARCLE INTERACTIVE SATELLITE SEMINAR

THE NEW E-WORLD OF THE NEW E-WORLD OF BUSINESS BUSINESS

IN SOUTH AFRICA IN SOUTH AFRICA 6 November, 20026 November, 2002

Ryk MeiringIT & eCommerce Law Dept

Spoor & Fisher Attorneys

6 November 2002 © 2002 Spoor & Fisher 2


Topics for Discussion:• Importance of IP in Practice

• ECATA Take-Down Procedure• .za Domain Name Space

• Protection of Domain Names• ITLF



Importance of IP in Practice:• Core Asset• Development Strategy• IP Management Policy• Rights Management



Nature of Intellectual Property Rights:• Monopoly Right• Commercial Exploitation• Disclosure to Public• Public Domain



Nature of Internet:• Digital Content• Perfect Reproduction• Cost Of Distribution



Result:• Interests Friction

• Constant Litigation• Restrictive Legislation

• Lessig’s Views



Protection of IPR in Practice:• Contract• Legislation (Intellectual Property)• Technology



Regulation by Contract:• Result Desired• Balancing of Interests• Appropriate to Context



Regulation by Legislation:• Patent• Designs• Copyright • Trademark• (Domain Names?)



Regulation by Technology:• Access Regulation• Distribution Regulation



Case Study:

Take-Down Notices ito ECATA s77:• Chapter XI: SP Liability Limited• ISPA Code of Conduct:

• www.ispa.org.za/code



s77 Dual Objective:• Allow pendente lite relief to IPR

Owners suffering Infringement• Protect ISP’s from Damages

Claims iro Wrongful Take-down



ECATA s77:• 1. Notification must be in writing,

addressed by the complainant to service provider, must include—

• (a) complainant name and address;

• (b) complainant’s written or electronic signature;



ECATA s77 (cont.):• (c) identification of right infringed;• (d) identification of material/

activity subject to unlawful activity;

• (e) remedial action to be taken;



ECATA s77 (cont.):• (f) telephonic & electronic contact

details of complainant;• (g) statement that complainant is

acting in good faith; and• (h) statement by complainant that

information in notification is true and correct.



ECATA s77 (cont.):• 2. Intentional material mis-

representation in notification = liable for damages for wrongful take-down.

• 3. No service provider liable for wrongful take-down in response to a notification.



s77 Achieves:• Temporary Withdrawal of • Infringing Material/Action• from Public Domain



s77 In Practice:• Action implemented by ISP• Infringer can Re-Locate



.za Domain Name Space• Regulation of Namespace• Contentious Legislation• Nature of Concern



Chapter 10 Contents: 1. Establishment of Authority2. Governance of Staffing3. Functions of Authority4. Finances and Reporting5. Regulations6. ADR



Case Study:

Protection of Domain Names:• gTLD

• Eg: <.com>; <.pro>• ccTLD

• Eg: <.co.za>; <.law.za>



Protection Mechanisms:• ADR:

• Eg: ICANN UDRP• Anti-CyberSquatting Legislation

• Eg: USA AntiCyberSquatting Consumer Protection Act



Protection Mechanisms: SA Position• ADR:

• ECATA s69 • Legislation?



SA ECATA s69 ADR:1. The Minister to make

regulations for ADR iro domain name space.

2. Due regard to international precedent.

3. Regulations—(a) types of disputes;



SA ECATA s69 ADR:3. Regulations (cont.)—(b) Authority’s role in ADR;(c) adjudicators appointment;(d) procedure and rules;(e) unlawful actions;(f) prevent unlawful actions;



3. Regulations (cont.)—

(g) manner, costs of and time;

(h) adjudications implementation;

(i) limitation of liability; and

(j) enforcement and publication.



.za Domain Name Authority :• Govt. invites consultation• PPC on Communications

listening• Minister appoints 5-member

panel



ITLF:• Informal group of Lawyers• Technology Interest/Practice• Regular meetings in Gauteng• Email List



A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know

they shall never sit in.

-Greek Proverb


Ryk MeiringIT Law Dept.

Spoor & Fisher, Pretoria

Tel: 012 673 1127Cell: 082 77 77 870

Fax: 012 673 1100eMail: [email protected]

www.spoor.com

Documents

CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION committed to lifelong learning LAW SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA CLE INTERACTIVE SATELLITE SEMINAR THE NEW E-WORLD OF BUSINESS IN