We cannot really stop anyone from becoming a LIR... -- RIPE Hostmaster

> > The following is an extract from a series of communications on the
> > subject of RIPE having recently authorised the addition of another
> > LIR in the UK, which uses the same trading name of an existing
> > member.  It is our feeling that RIPE should not have allowed the
> > addition of this LIR on the basis that the company in question
> > trades using a name which could easily confuse the general public
> > as to which company is which and that since our company was an
> > existing member, and had previously been a LIR in another country
> > as well, they should have decline the application of the LIR on
> > the basis that their trading name could cause a conflict and
> > confuse the general public, and would further cause damage to an
> > existing member's company and reputation.
>
> Hm, this seems like a strange request.
>
> The point of contest here seems to be the trading name used by the
> company who is now a (newly established) LIR, not that organization's
> ability to become a LIR.  I don't see how the RIPE NCC can be
> concerned about the use of a trading name by an applicant for LIR
> status, and the possible infringement on someone else's rights to that
> name or the potential for resulting market confusion.  This issue
> should instead be brought before the apporpriate authority, which I
> assume would be some part of the legal system in the UK.
>
> Of course, I'm not a lawyer, and I even don't play one on the net, but
> thus just seemed too obvious...

I agree with Håvard.  RIPE NCC has no authority to adjudicate on
entitlement to trading names; that's a matter for the parties concerned
and perhaps the Companies Office in the UK.

Regards.

Mike