Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Washington

Trademark a Domain Name?

Hello, I registered a domain name in 1999 and have been using it ever since. It is two words from the English dictionary put together to form a new word. I have not registered a trademark on the word. Recently I found someone else has registered the same word as a .co.uk (mine is .com) and they are using it for a website that is in competition with my website. What can I do? or What should I do? I don't really want to officially register for a trademark unless I absolutely have to because it is too expensive for me. Thanks!


Asked on 6/08/04, 8:15 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
D. Alexander Floum, Esq.

Re: Trademark a Domain Name?

Domain names do not create intellectual property rights. If you have a trademark in the name from your USE of your website in commerce, then you would also have a right to the competitor's domain name, assuming that there is an overlap in your businesses within the United States.

You should consult a good trademark attorney.

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Answered on 6/08/04, 8:25 pm


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