It is partly possible to prevent this with a well thought-out and clear domain name and trademark strategy. One of the most important weapons in the fight against cybersquatting is active monitoring. The purpose of monitoring is to detect infringement as soon as possible. This facilitates rapid action against the infringement - preferably before customers and business partners discover it and before any damage has been done. Read more about these services under Monitoring Services. Read more about your options when you have been exposed to Cybersquatting under Acquisitions and Dispute Resolution.

Cybersquatting is the registration of domain names identical to, or confusable with, a trademark that is performed by someone other than the rights’ holder.

Cybersquatting is the registration of domain names identical to, or confusable with, a trademark that is performed by someone other than the rights’ holder. The method used to take over a previously registered domain name varies depending on the circumstances. If you can prove trademark infringement, the domain name can be taken over by legal means, whereby a dispute process may be necessary. Each country has regulations that must be adhered to, and in many instances there is a simplified dispute resolution process for domain names. A warning letter will often suffice. If you cannot prove infringement you can try to buy back the name.

There are a number of ‘bluff companies’ that use threats to try and get companies to register domain names. Contact us so we can make an assessment and recommend what you should do.