Domain Names

Many businesses are unaware that company or domain registrations do not give rights to use the corresponding name in their business.

Domain names are a fundamental aspect of branding.  They are easy to register, and can be used instantly to associate your website with your brand.

Domain names and trademarks are separate and unrelated pieces of property although they are linked by the fact that each is relevant to a brand and both have value.

Domain names are inexpensive, but can become important assets of the business. So they should be cared for by whoever handles the business "trade marks”.

Before buying a domain, have a trade mark clearance search of the name.  If the trade mark registers are clear, then registering the name as a trademark gives you additional rights to the domain name, and provides an advantage in the recovery of a domain name from a cyber squatter.

Avoiding cybersquatting

A policy on domain name registration is an important aspect of dispute prevention.

If domain names are purchased haphazardly, by different employees then you are storing up problems.  A solid administrative system will help ensure renewals are not missed, and are not picked up by cybersquatters.  Using our domain management services gives you an effective administrative solution for domains. 

In some countries there may be restrictions on who may register domains, and requirements such as an established local presence. We are able to advise on the requirements of each country and assist in satisfying local requirements for securing domain registrations.

If you think a domain registration has been made in bad faith or to 'cyber squat' then you may be able to recover the domain name without having to buy it from the owner.  Is the other party using the same name without good cause, for example, as a Metatag?  Or have they registered confusingly similar domain names so as to send traffic to a page with click through ads?

Further information is available on our

What next?

If you need legal work please call us on +44 (0)20 7700 1414 or if you prefer send us an enquiry using the form below. Depending on your requirements we may suggest a free meeting. This is often the best way to assess whether we would be the right firm for you, and to understand the work involved, your priorities, attitude to risk, and desired timescales.