Domain names (like logos) are a very important part of your corporate branding and overall website presence. So what happens when a competitor or just some independent business/individual decides to purchase a domain name using your corporate/business name?
Without getting into the legalities of it (I am by NO means a lawyer!) I can tell you in regards to .coms, .nets, etc. it is very difficult to do anything about it especially if the domain name is somewhat generic or describes a business/service (I.E. – ultimatelawnsevice.com). However, if it is an obvious that it is an attempt to deflect business away from you, you can make a claim through a mediation service like WIPO. It will take time, energy and money to do so with no guarantees so it is up to you to decide if it is worth it.
If you own a Canadian business and the domain name you want is a .ca, you’re in luck. CIRA (The Canadian Internet Registry Authority) actively helps business with such resolutions. As stated on their website:
CIRA's dispute resolution process is a mechanism through which individuals and businesses that meet CIRA's Canadian Presence Requirements can obtain quick, out-of-court arbitrations at relatively low cost for clear-cut cases of bad faith registration of .CA domain names.
CIRA established this process to provide an alternative mechanism to that of the court system for those seeking to obtain the transfer or cancellation of .CA domain names they believe were registered in bad faith by other parties.
Being Canadian has its advantages.
