Overview
Some parties register domain names similar to well-known trademarks intending to later sell them to the trademark owner at an inflated price, or to exploit their reputation to divert website visitors.
Specific paths exist for recovering a domain when it's proven registered in bad faith exploiting an existing trademark, and these paths differ based on the domain's specific extension.
Regulatory Basis
These disputes fall under domain name dispute resolution policies adopted by the body overseeing each extension, alongside general trademark provisions.
How We Handle Domain Disputes
We begin by assessing the position of the registered trademark against the disputed domain, to prove the priority of the right and the bad faith of the party who registered the domain.
We file a formal complaint to recover the domain through the path approved for its extension, or negotiate directly with the registrant for a domain transfer if that's faster and more effective.
Who Needs This Service
A company that discovers another party registered a domain similar to its trademark intending to exploit its reputation or sell the domain to it.
A company wanting to proactively protect domain names connected to its trademark before another party registers them.
From the cases we've reviewed, some parties who register domains similar to well-known trademarks tend to offer the domain for sale shortly after registration, a behavioral pattern that strongly indicates bad faith when filing a formal complaint to recover the domain, and we make sure to document this timing precisely within the evidence file submitted.
Additional Considerations
Successfully recovering a domain depends on the strength of the original trademark registration, which we review as a foundation before filing any formal complaint.
When the domain is linked to selling counterfeit products, this connects with our anti-counterfeiting service.
Common Questions
How do we prove a domain was registered in bad faith?
We gather evidence like an attempt to sell the domain at an inflated price or using it to divert visitors to a competing site, indicators that support the original trademark owner's position.
Can we purchase the domain directly from the registrant instead of escalating formally?
Yes, this may sometimes be faster, and we assess which of the two paths suits the circumstances of each case.