What are some examples of cybersquatting?
Examples:
- Registering starbucks.org if it hadn’t been registered by the trademark owner.
- Attempting to sell any top-level domain featuring “starbucks” after having no intent to legitimately use the website.
- Registering potential misspellings or typos for starbucks.
Why is cybersquatting illegal?
Cybersquatting, the practice of buying up a domain in order to profit from a trademarked name, is prohibited under the 1999 Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act as well as a set of international guidelines called the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy.
What is the purpose of the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act of 1999?
The Anti-Cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act (ACPA) was enacted in 1999 in an attempt to prevent cybersquatters from registering Internet domain names containing trademarks for the purpose of selling those domain name back to the trademark owner.
What is considered cybersquatting?
The term cybersquatting refers to the unauthorized registration and use of Internet domain names that are identical or similar to trademarks, service marks, company names, or personal names.
Is cyber squatting ethical?
Cybersquatting is an unethical practice that some corporations or individuals will engage in as a way to benefit from the credibility of another business. The action involves registering, selling, or using a domain name that uses or closely resembles the trademarked or registered name of an existing business.
What actions can companies take to combat cybersquatting?
7 ways to protect your brand from cybersquatters
- Establish a policy to deal with the problem.
- Monitor new domain registrations.
- Build a portfolio of defensive domain-name registrations.
- Check your trademarks.
- Choose your battles.
- Pursue violators.
- Get involved.
Can you be sued for cybersquatting?
The Anti-Cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act (ACPA) allows trademark owners to sue alleged cybersquatters in federal court. And if you win, you can obtain a court order requiring the cybersquatter to transfer the domain name to you and, in some situations, possibly some monetary damages as well.
Why do cybersquatters register domain names?
Cybersquatting is registering, selling or using a domain name with the intent of profiting from the goodwill of someone else’s trademark. It generally refers to the practice of buying up domain names that use the names of existing businesses with the intent to sell the names for a profit to those businesses.
What does Udrp mean?
Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy
The Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (the UDRP Policy) sets out the legal framework for the resolution of disputes between a domain name registrant and a third party (i.e., a party other than the registrar) over the abusive registration and use of an Internet domain name in the generic top level domains or …
Is domain selling legal?
You risk legal action if you squat on trademarks or use them in your domains. As a thumb rule, never register a domain name with the intention of selling it to the trademark owner or the company.
How can we protect against cybersquatting?
7 ways to protect your brand from cybersquatters
- Establish a policy to deal with the problem.
- Monitor new domain registrations.
- Build a portfolio of defensive domain-name registrations.
- Check your trademarks.
- Choose your battles.
- Pursue violators.
- Get involved.