Row over internet domain name

By PATRICK TALU

 

THE European Shareholders of Bougainville Copper (ESBC) has questioned a move by a Chinese industrial group to acquire “Bougainville copper” as their internet keyword, The National reports.

Alex Sturm, ESBC president in a statement yesterday, questioned what China’s real intentions on Bougainville are after an email dated Nov 19 requested ESBC verification on the proposed internet keyword.

The email read: “This is a Network Service Co which is the domain name registration center in Hong Kong, China.

“On Nov.16, 2010, we received an application from MEIHUA Group requesting ‘bougainville-copper’ as their internet keyword and China (CN) domain names.

“But after checking, we find this name is in conflict with your company’s name or trademark. In order to deal with this issue better, it’s necessary to send this email to you and confirm with your company whether this company is your distributor or business partner in China. If you did not authorise, please let us know within seven working days, so that we will handle this issue better.”

Sturm had asked why a giant Chinese industrial group was so  interested in acquiring the name of “Bougainville copper” for their own purpose.

“Why are they contacting the European Shareholders of Bougainville Copper and not our company itself or even better, Rio Tinto?

“What are the true intentions of this MEIHUA Group?

 “The European Shareholders of Bougainville Copper had asked these questions to Linda Wang of Hong Kong China Technology Ltd, a domain provider, but did not get any response until now,” he said.

A search on the internet showed that MEIHUA Group is engaged in door manufacturing and in the production of monosodium glutamate, a flavour enhancer, using materials from corn.