Cybersquatting on trademarks is nothing new in the domain name industry. You’re even likely to find yourself on a parked page if you mistype your favorite brand, which is likely owned by someone trying to make a quick dollar, regardless of the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act (ACPA) or a Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) that lingers above their head.
To summarize, both the ACPA and a UDRP protects trademark holders from others with the intent to profit from their brand.
In politics, it’s been nothing new either, except without the intent to profit per say.
Recently in December 2014, New Hampshire State Representative RJ Hoell admitted that he owns more than 100 domain names from both parties. He’s stated, “I honestly see it as an investment, financially or politically. Everyone wants to have their own domain name when they run for higher office.”
You would expect the law and policy makers would have closed this hole by now as it can be interpreted that owning an opponents name and redirecting it to their own is intent to profit by swaying the vote.
However, that’s not the case and this continues on till this day.
It was published that seven Philadelphia City Council members are under attack from an ‘internet domain-name invasion’ by what is known as The 5th Square. It has everyone scratching their heads whether what they’re doing is illegal or not.
Jason Schaeffer, a domain name attorney with ESQwire.com, has also chimed in with the current state of legalities and commented that there are hurdles for the Council to get over in this situation.
In conclusion, defensive registrations of your
It’s also suggested to do so for your brand, before it even grows, as a gripe site is not against the law either.
To summarize, both the ACPA and a UDRP protects trademark holders from others with the intent to profit from their brand.
In politics, it’s been nothing new either, except without the intent to profit per say.
Recently in December 2014, New Hampshire State Representative RJ Hoell admitted that he owns more than 100 domain names from both parties. He’s stated, “I honestly see it as an investment, financially or politically. Everyone wants to have their own domain name when they run for higher office.”
You would expect the law and policy makers would have closed this hole by now as it can be interpreted that owning an opponents name and redirecting it to their own is intent to profit by swaying the vote.
However, that’s not the case and this continues on till this day.
It was published that seven Philadelphia City Council members are under attack from an ‘internet domain-name invasion’ by what is known as The 5th Square. It has everyone scratching their heads whether what they’re doing is illegal or not.
Jason Schaeffer, a domain name attorney with ESQwire.com, has also chimed in with the current state of legalities and commented that there are hurdles for the Council to get over in this situation.
In conclusion, defensive registrations of your
FullName.com and FullNameSucks.com should be made for your own sake if you ever decide to go into politics, as even politicians and advocates will stoop so low.It’s also suggested to do so for your brand, before it even grows, as a gripe site is not against the law either.
. Should be able to wield enough power!
