The problem of Cyber Squatting
April 2, 2009
Intellectual Property News and Interesting Facts
Cyber squatting as the name suggests entails squatting on the Internet. In simple terms, cyber squatters register various domain names that include the names of important brands and people as well as companies, and thereby hindering the trademark owners from using the domain names.
In most instances cyber squatting is used as a means of generating income.
The domain names are taken and as such cannot be used by anyone else. They place the names on auction and sell to the highest bidders. It is seen as unethical and still it happens.
The cyber squatters have no connection to the companies or people whose names they use as domain names. Since at this stage it is not possible to regulate domain name registration in a manner suitable for the prevention of cyber squatting, the problem is expected to exist well into the future of the Internet.
3 Responses to “The problem of Cyber Squatting”
I received an email from a company in China regarding my trade name and domain name.They claim another company has applied to use our “net Trademark”,and if I do not lay claim to the trademark I will lose it forever.Is there any validity in their claim,and if so what can be done about it.
Thank you
By stan wade on May 8, 2009
This often happens, but is nothing more than unsolicited, opportunistic marketing efforts. It is not possible nor practical for an individual or legal entity to register domain names in all domains. Therefore, it is advised that you decide where you want to have an internet presence and to register your domain name in those domains.
By Wessel on Jun 3, 2009
Long story, but will try ad keep it short. Pathways Roodepoort is a Non Profit Organisation looking after kids with severe disabilities (www.pathwaysroodepoort.org.za) when they developed their first website, the web developer registered http://www.pathwaysroodepoort.co.za
, after a little scuffle, the management of Pathways Roodepoort decided to develop and maintain their own website, we tried to get him to transfer the domain but he refuses. Thus we resorted to .org.za, Pathways Roodepoort can not afford to take any legal action and left the matter there but it still has a negative impact when people assume it has a .co.za domain and no webpage is displayed, any advice….
By Lance on Nov 1, 2009