What is a Cybersquatter ?
A cybersquatter is someone who registers, traffics in, or uses a domain name with the intent of profiting from the goodwill of someone else’s trademark or brand. Typically, cybersquatters target domain names that are identical or confusingly similar to established trademarks, company names, or personal names.
Characteristics of Cybersquatting
- Registration of Famous Names: Cybersquatters often register domains that match well-known trademarks, company names, or public figures’ names.
- Resale for Profit: They usually aim to sell the domain to the rightful owner at a high price.
- Bad Faith Intent: The intention is not legitimate use but to exploit the value of the trademark or brand name.
- Traffic Diversion: In some cases, cybersquatters may use the domain to divert traffic to their own website, which might host ads, competing products, or harmful content.
Legal Protections Against Cybersquatting
To combat cybersquatting, many jurisdictions have laws and procedures, such as:
- Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act (ACPA) in the United States.
- Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) by ICANN, which allows trademark holders to resolve disputes over domain names through arbitration.
If you suspect someone is cybersquatting on your domain, you can take legal action or file a complaint through the UDRP process to recover the domain.