Cain, Buche & LaCroix, P.C.

WEBSITES, DOMAIN NAMES & "CYBERSQUATTERS"

If you are in business, you need a presence on the Internet. Preferably, you want domain names that reflect your business name, or maybe a product.
The ".com" and ".net" websites are the most popular, and as a result, the registrable names are decreasing in number and increasing in value.
It is not uncommon for a desired business name to be taken. If the name has been taken, given the increasing value to your business, you may want to consider advocating to take it back. If the name taken is a registered trademark, you have a better chance of securing a return.
In the worst cases, someone has intentionally taken a business or product name with the intent of extorting money for the return. Those individuals engaged in such hijackings have been labeled "Cybersquatters."
Fortunately, new federal Anti-Cybersquatting legislation and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers ("ICANN's'") Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy have brought some order to litigating contested domain names in federal court and in arbitration proceedings. Cain & LaCroix, P.C. has experience with domain name issues and can effectively represent your best interest in any judicial forum on domain name issues.