What Is Brand protection? Domain Glossary

Why it matters

Brand owners often register their name in major extensions and common misspellings. They may use the Trademark Clearinghouse in new extensions and the UDRP for abusive registrations. Buying a domain from its owner can be cheaper than a dispute, if the owner is reasonable. A common mistake is waiting until a competitor or squatter holds the name. Early, quiet acquisition usually costs less than a public fight. A broker can make the first approach without revealing the brand.

Source: newgtlds.icann.org

Where we use this term

Grit Brokerage + Clinton Hicks Discuss the Acquisition of EWN.com Domain Name

Related terms

Defensive registration: Registering extra domain names, such as other extensions, typos or related spellings, to protect a brand rather than to use them. They are often forwarded to the main site.
Defensive acquisition: Buying a domain that is already registered so that a competitor, squatter or confusing third party cannot use it. A brand owner may do this for a name close to its own.
UDRP: The Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy, ICANN's rules for resolving trademark-based complaints about domains. A complainant must show three elements, and the usual remedy is transfer or cancellation.
Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH): The Trademark Clearinghouse is a central ICANN-mandated database of verified trademarks. Brand owners record marks there to get early access to new domains and notices when others register matching names.
Typosquatting: Typosquatting is registering a domain that is a common misspelling of a well-known name, hoping to catch visitors who mistype it. It is a form of cybersquatting when done in bad faith.

All 205 terms

Why it matters

Where we use this term

Buying or selling a domain?