Whois System

[<Carole.Tricoire@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear Sirs,

 

We represent sanofi-aventis, a French corporation, and one of the world's 
leading companies in the healthcare field.

 

We would like to give to ICANN our opinion regarding the Whois database and its 
future evolution. 

 

Sanofi-aventis is continuously victim of cybersquatting regarding its 
Trademarks. By using domain names incorporating our trademarks, cybersquatters 
infringe our intellectual property rights and cause confusion among our 
customers. The most alarming is that several sanofi-aventis products are 
selling illegally via the internet, without prescription, that is the reason 
why we have to take appropriate measures to stop the illegal use of our 
trademarks as internet addresses.

 

In this regard, the Whois database enables us to identify third parties and to 
initiate legal actions to stop the illegal uses. We have around 800 domain name 
infringements per year. Without the Whois contacts, we would be unable to 
protect our rights on the internet sphere and would be unable to fight 
counterfeiting the most efficiency as possible. 

 

It is very important for consumers, businesses and over all for "Intellectual 
Property rights" to keep the Whois database available. It will enable us to 
avoid continuous infringement by following our legal actions. 

 

Sanofi-aventis is requesting the ICANN to help businesses protect their rights 
and their consumers online.

 

We look forward to hearing from you.

 

Best Regards, 

 

Carole Tricoire

Trademark Director
Trademark Legal Department 
sanofi-aventis
82 avenue Raspail, FR 94255 Gentilly Cédex 
 *  33.1.41.24.58.75 - /  33.1.41.24.15.02