Internet Domain Name Disputes

An effective domain name can contribute to the success or failure in the online world. W|N has experienced professionals who specialize in selecting and securing domain name registrations, as well as taking action against third parties who attempt to register and use domain names that infringe a client’s prior trademark or other IP rights and interests.

The first step in selecting a domain name is to determine whether the desired domain name is available.  This can be accomplished by most anyone via a simple online search.  However, additional factors should be considered.  For example, federal and state trademark and unfair competition laws apply with respect to the adoption and use of domain names. 

Care should be taken in the selection of a domain name to avoid infringing on the preexisting trademark rights of others.  With our trademark expertise we can help you in the selection and screening of potential domain names and avoidance of costly domain name disputes.

A domain name can also function as a trademark and/or service mark, which means we can also help you protect against use of such marks by others (whether competitors, cyber squatters, counterfeiters or others) who may attempt to secure domain names or marks which unfairly infringe on your trademark or service mark (click here to learn more about our trademark litigation practice).

Our knowledge and experience in the field of trademark litigation enables us to effectively counsel and assist our clients in avoiding costly disputes when adopting a mark or domain name, as well as enforcing and policing your trademark rights through trademark infringement claims in the courts, blocking registration of confusingly similar marks by others, as well as by pursuing domain name dispute claims through ICANN under the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Policy.