Online Domain Name Disputes Rise

The past few years have seen a massive rise in the role of the internet on our everyday lives and as a result; businesses are now aware that a website is a must have tool for success.  Gone are the days where consumers would search the yellow pages or 'ask around' for a product recommendation…today, the internet has all the answers.

Whether the public requires clothing, legal advice, food or any other purchasable product; Google is now the answer to all problems and by typing in specific keywords the consumer is offered pages of results; with pages one and two deemed the best. The trust we as a consumer have in what the Google search offers us is unprecedented and hence why search engine optimisation and pay per click campaigns are central to online marketing…business are now aware that the internet is key to their survival.

According to current reports; disputes over domain names have hit a record high within twelve months. The report indicated that nearly three thousand disputes had come to head since July 2011, with many disputes claiming that trademarks had been stolen.

The report indicates the importance of the online market to business growth and suggests that as an increasing number of businesses, across the board, begin to see a rise in online sales and profit; domain names are now, more than ever, considered crucial to business success.

As the number of domain name cases by big name brands and celebrities are now coming forward; the World Intellectual Property Organisation is now warning businesses that internet squatters are lurking to get their hands on any and all domain names they can; vigilance is of the essence.

Have you protected your business domain?