In this article, we’ll discuss how to do domain protection from cybersquatters, register a trademark, and use a domain monitoring service to keep track of your domains. We’ll also discuss how to register additional variations of your domain name. Finally, we’ll talk about how to secure your domain portfolio with a hardened corporate registrar.
Registering a trademark
A domain name is more than just an address. It is the entry point for your online store, business information, and brand recognition. Infringers often target domain names to profit from the content they host. If you’re planning to use a domain name for your business, it is essential to check if it’s already registered as a trademark. Thankfully, some services can acquire domain protection from competitors.
The ACPA, or Anti-Cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act, is a federal law that can help protect you from your competitors’ trademarks. Although this is time-consuming and expensive, it can also severely damage your business. Using the ACPA to defend your trademark allows you to avoid various legal claims, including dilution of your brand, unfair competition, false designation of origin, and defamation.
Using a domain monitoring service
Using a domain monitoring service is essential when securing your brand and business assets. A service to monitor competitors’ domains can give you visibility into typosquatting and unwanted domains. A good domain monitoring service will also help you to take action if necessary. It is essential to monitor competitors’ domains and check expiration dates. Brand monitors and alert APIs can also help you determine if any of your competitors’ domains are being used for competitor websites.
Domain protection is essential if you are unsure what your competition is doing. Monitoring tools will identify potentially interesting domains registered under your brand name, ccTLD, or TLD. In addition to identifying possible competitor domains, they can also provide valuable insights into strategies, spin-off products, and new markets. The best monitoring services will also alert you when competitors register a domain using your brand name.
Filing a claim against a cybersquatter
When deciding to file a claim against a cybersquatter, you have a few options. First, you can file a lawsuit in federal court. If your claim is successful, the court will order the cybersquatter to transfer the domain name. Depending on the circumstances, the cybersquatter may also have to pay monetary damages. However, you should seek the advice of an experienced internet attorney before deciding on your legal strategy.
Second, you can use UDRP arbitration if your cybersquatter is based outside of the U.S. You can also use the Arbitration and Mediation Center of the World Intellectual Property Organization to resolve cybersquatter disputes. While the U.S. courts do not have jurisdiction over foreign defendants, you can use the Arbitration and Mediation Center’s international arbitration system to settle disputes. However, this option may not be as cost-effective and complex as a UDRP arbitration, and our clients do not often prefer it. Thus, protecting your domain name against cybersquatters is advisable before pursuing legal action.
Registering additional variations of your domain name
Cybersquatters can register additional variations of your domain name to divert traffic to their website. As a result, your traffic could be diverted to competitors’ websites. In addition, unclaimed domains are often condemned by law. Regardless of your business industry, you should register additional domain name variations to protect your brand name from competitors. The advantages of OnDOMAIN registration far outweigh the risks.
First, it’s important to register all your domain name’s possible spellings and extensions. Next, identify the most common variations and register them all. Once you’ve registered your domain name, consider purchasing additional matching variations. Lastly, check your website’s attendance statistics to determine if your investment is worth it. After all, it’s only a website, so why not make it look more unique?
Filing a claim with the United States Patent and Trademark Office
To make a trademark, a brand name or logo must be confusingly similar to yours. Your domain name may be a trademark as well. Once registered, you have 15 years of exclusive use of the trademark. You can renew your registration indefinitely as long as it does not infringe on another company’s trademark. Often, a brand name or logo is used as a slogan to differentiate a product from a competitor.
In addition to filing a claim with the United States Patent and trademark office, registering your domain in a competitor’s name will not give you exclusive rights to that domain name. This is because registering a domain in another person’s name is considered mere registration for commercial purposes. This would violate the intellectual property rights of your competitor. So, it is essential to register your domain name in your name.