Trademark Protection on Social Networks and Digital Platforms
In the current digital landscape, where commercial transactions and brand visibility increasingly occur online, effective protection of trademarks on social networks and digital platforms has become crucial. A recent decision by the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) reflects these changes and brings important clarifications regarding the liability of e-commerce intermediaries, such as some relevant companies, in the face of allegations of industrial property infringement, including counterfeiting or trademark infringement.
The STJ Decision and the Internet Legal Framework (Marco Civil da Internet)
The STJ, in its jurisprudence newsletter, clarified that e-commerce intermediaries are not automatically responsible for acts of counterfeiting or trademark violations based solely on extrajudicial notifications. This decision was grounded on Article 19 of the Internet Legal Framework (Marco Civil da Internet), which stipulates that a digital platform provider can only be held liable for damages arising from third-party content if, after a specific judicial order, it does not take measures to make the infringing content unavailable.
This decision has profound implications:
Given the STJ's decision, it is crucial for trademark owners to develop effective strategies to monitor and quickly respond to potential violations. Some approaches include:
The STJ's decision reaffirms the importance of a legal framework that balances the protection of industrial property rights with fundamental freedoms in the digital age. For brands, it becomes essential not only to rely on platform vigilance but also to implement proactive management of their intellectual property rights. With the continuous growth of online commerce and communication, robust and adaptive strategies are indispensable for protecting the integrity and reputation of brands in the digital environment.
