What is Web3? And what are the associated blockchain domain names? Web3 is a term used to describe the next iteration of the internet that uses decentralization, blockchain technology, and token-based transactions. The internet we know today, also called Web2, relies on centralized platforms and intermediaries overseen by a regulator, ICANN, while Web3 functions via …
By Tom Wells and Gabe Bonifacio Introduction With the rapid advancement of technology and the increasing popularity of artificial intelligence (AI), the adoption of the .AI top-level domain (TLD) has gained momentum. The TLD was created for the small Caribbean Island of Anguilla but has attracted individuals and companies alike due to the artificial intelligence …
The Dark Side of the .AI TLD: Implications for Brand Owners Read More »
By Steve Levy It is a foundational concept that the UDRP was created to deal with abuse of trademarks through the registration and use of domain names, namely, “cybersquatting”. These are situations where a domain name takes unfair advantage of a brand owner’s reputation for illicit gain. Obvious cases are phishing, counterfeit products, monetized links …
Towing The Line On Trademarks – Can You Hitch An Infringement Claim To A UDRP Case? Read More »
By Tom Wells What is registrar hopping? Registrar hopping is the strategic transfer of domain name registrations between registrars at low or no cost. Registrants utilize the technique to limit domain name expenses or avoid repercussions for malicious activities like trademark infringement or malware. The exploitation of these registrar transfers allows bad actors to remain …
Registrar Hopping. What is it and how do I protect myself from it? Read More »
By Tom Wells Introduction Does the below situation sound familiar? You become aware of a phishing scheme targeting your company via a malicious domain name. You take legal action to shut down and reclaim the problematic domain name. You then become aware of a new malicious domain name registered by the same bad actor who …
By Steve Levy In a January 4th entry, we mentioned a UDRP claim against the domain name mar-a-lago.com that was denied based on a law firm’s failure to submit critical evidence of prior trademark rights. There’s now been a second decision denying transfer of the domain name maralago.com and the same law firm represented the complainant, DTTM Operations LLC, which …
By Josh Bourne I find that brand owners frequently underestimate the potency and impact of typosquatted domains relative to other infringements and overlook them, focusing their enforcement efforts elsewhere. I believe that this is a mistake. Typosquatting is worse today than ever before, as festering examples still linger in the hands of criminals who use …
By Steve Levy One of the many benefits that FairWinds brings to its clients is advising them to put their valuable domain names on auto-renew and registrar lock. This seems quite obvious to brand owners who are familiar with this quirky and niche field but apparently it’s not to so many other companies. A recent …
Too Bad, So Sad – The UDRP Is Not A Cure For Failing To Renew And Lock Your Domain Names Read More »
By Steve Levy In 1985 Donald Trump purchased the Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida and, in 1995, developed it into a resort which includes a golf course, beach club, spa, guest suites, dining, boutique, and catered events for members and guests. The Club is advertised in print and online at www.maralagoclub.com. In March of 1997, a Florida …
UDRP Complaint Against mar-a-lago.com Falls Into Common Sand Trap Read More »
By Steve Levy As the calendar flips over to a New Year, there’s glitter, candle wax, and Polaroids on the floor. As I’m cleaning up bottles, it’s only natural that my thoughts turn to the past year of domain name disputes and where things are headed in this mercurial relationship between domain names and trademarks. …
Don’t Read The Last Page – Trends and Predictions for UDRP Cases Read More »
By Josh Bourne It’s been a rough year for proponents of cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens, and other blockchain-based technologies. Cryptocurrency exchange FTX collapsed in November, incinerating billions of dollars of investors’ capital after its fraudulent activities were exposed. The price of many non-fungible tokens, or NFTs–a type of asset that sometimes resembles a digital trading card, most …
NFTs Aren’t Just For Monkeying Around – They Could Revolutionize The Internet Read More »
A new digital asset has arrived – blockchain domains, also known as Web3 and/or NFT domains. The assets exist on blockchains, which operate as decentralized public ledgers with immutable data. Due to the flexible underlying technology, blockchain domains have varied uses that are expected to increase in number and utilization. These domain names should not …
Blockchain Domains – A New Technology That is Here to Stay Read More »