BroadbandCloudSolutions.co.uk published a piece about what happens when you purchase a trademarked domain name. Referencing a recent legal dispute where the big brand chain Aldi won against iLoveAldi.co.uk
Full Article: http://www.broadbandcloudsolutions.co.uk/what-happens-if-you-buy-a-trademarked-domain-name/
Yorkshireman Wayne Stephenson hit the news recently after supermarket chain Aldi forced him not only to shut down his website, but to hand over his registered domain ilovealdi.co.uk without compensation. What are the lessons for business owners and site developers?
In the mid-90s, astute minded individuals realised that they could register .com domains using the names of big brands, and then sell them on to the relevant company at a considerable premium. Originally named ‘domain poaching’, the process became widely known as cybersquatting in 1999 after the passing of legislation in the USA. Many entrepreneurs saw this as a valid form of virtual real estate investment, with some ‘domainers’ generating total profits exceeding £250m.
As the example of ilovealdi shows, however, it is not just the intentional cybersquatting that is frowned upon; even sites that don’t intend to seek compensation from the trademark owner can find themselves the target of dispute.
This is yet another reason on top of the thousands of other UDRP cases to stay away from buying, selling, parking, and/or developing domains that infringe on another's trademarks.For business owners, the lesson is clear – ensure that your trademarks are properly registered, and purchase your desired domains at the earliest opportunity. Should someone poach a domain that gives the impression of being owned by your brand, seek a dispute resolution service in your jurisdiction that can begin the UDRP arbitration process. In most countries the law is on your side, and you should be able to settle the matter out of court.
Full Article: http://www.broadbandcloudsolutions.co.uk/what-happens-if-you-buy-a-trademarked-domain-name/
