Domain Disputes: Types of Problems & Solutions
How to Handle Domain Disputes
A company’s brand is often considered its most important asset. If a company fails to protect its brand identity and trademark, this could lead to revenue losses, a damaged reputation and inefficient operations.
When it comes to your domain, it’s important to ensure three things: that there’s never a lapse in your domain registration; that your domain is secure and properly managed; and that action is taken when domain disputes occur.
What Is a Domain Dispute?
A domain dispute typically involves filing a claim against a domain that is identical or nearly identical to your trademark. A case is usually decided by determining if the domain in question was registered in “bad faith.” You could encounter a few different types of domain disputes:0
Cybersquatting (or domain grabbing) occurs when someone registers a domain related to your brand with the sole intent to resell the name and make a profit.
Typosquatting (or URL hijacking) is when a domain is created using common typos of a brand’s website, which will divert traffic from the intended website and confuse visitors.
Same Name Conflict is a more complicated domain dispute. In this case, two established brands with similar names will strive to reach an agreement over who has the right to a specific domain.
Resolving a Domain Dispute
The first step in resolving a domain dispute is to issue a Takedown Notice to the owner of the illegally registered domain. This notice will explain the issue at hand and request that the owner either transfer the domain or delete it.
If this does not resolve the issue, the dissuasion approach will be used to counteract an illegally registered domain. If these methods fail, legal action will need to be considered to resolve the dispute.
There are two main legal procedures used to settle domain disputes: the URS (Uniform Rapid Suspension Systems) procedure and the UDRP (Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy) procedure. The URS procedure typically resolves disputes much faster than the UDRP procedure, but the UDRP procedure is often seen as a more permanent solution to disputes like domain grabbing or cybersquatting.
Calling in the Professionals
The last option is an anonymous acquisition of the illegal domain, which will allow the dispute to be settled out of court. In this case, BrandShelter keeps your identity hidden and handles all purchase inquiries and procedures to keep the price of the domain low.
If you choose BrandShelter, experts will help you through the entire dispute: from picking the best approach for settling the case to connecting you with international legal assistance. You'll get expert advice and support at each step of the process. This will ensure that all domain issues are resolved as quickly as possible so that your brand’s reputation and operations are never in jeopardy.
