In an article published on January 31, 2024, Harness IP Associate April Minarik discusses the ins-and-outs of domain names. She specifically outlines how they can be used against business owners or managers and what you can do to prevent this from happening.

“What you may not appreciate is that cybersquatters owning domain names that are similar to your webpage can pose significant problems for your business,” Minarik writes. “They might use these domain names in ways that disrupt or interfere with your operations, creating issues for your customers and clients, which may negatively impact your business reputation.”

Minarik’s advice on being proactive with domain names includes registering your domain name before it’s not in your business’ possession. She discusses the dispute resolutions this can avoid and how this step is priceless. Minarik dives deeper to discuss what to look for when monitoring domain names as well.

Minarik urges, “Proactive measures are critical, and waiting for an issue to arise is not advisable. Consistently monitor registered domain names for both core and secondary brands, including geographic variations.”

The full article may be accessed here.

 

 

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Harness IP is celebrating more than 100 years as an intellectual property law firm. Founded in 1921, the firm currently holds a No. 2 ranking from IAM Media for providing counsel to 44 companies with the largest portfolios of issued U.S. patents. The firm also ranks No. 6 for filing the most patent applications on behalf of those companies. Harness IP’s attorneys and IP professionals focus exclusively on patents, trademarks, global IP management, litigation and other IP rights. The firm has offices in metropolitan Dallas, Detroit, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. Visit www.harnessip.com for more information.