---
title: "What Is Cybersquatting? Domain Glossary | Grit Brokerage"
description: "Registering or using a domain name that matches or copies someone's trademark in bad faith, often hoping to sell it to the mark owner at a profit or to..."
url: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/cybersquatting
publisher: Grit Brokerage
contact: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/contact
offer: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/inquiry
---

Legal and disputes

# Cybersquatting

Registering or using a domain name that matches or copies someone's trademark in bad faith, often hoping to sell it to the mark owner at a profit or to trade on its goodwill.

## Why it matters

Cybersquatting is the abuse that dispute rules target. Buying a generic word for its meaning is not cybersquatting. Registering a famous brand name to resell it at a profit can be. The line depends on intent, timing and the mark's strength. In the US, the ACPA provides a court path, and the UDRP provides an arbitration path worldwide. A common mistake by domain buyers is acquiring a name with a known brand in it, expecting a quick sale to the brand owner. That can lead to a UDRP loss and legal cost. Do a trademark search first.

Source: [wipo.int](https://www.wipo.int/en/web/wipo-magazine/articles/tackling-bad-faith-registration-of-domain-names-in-a-fast-changing-landscape-41179)

[Read nextDomain Names and Trademarks: UDRP, Cybersquatting, and How to Buy Safely](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/guides/domain-trademark-udrp-risk)

## Where we use this term

-   [Cybersquatting Hit a Record in 2025: WIPO Overview 3.1](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/post/record-cybersquatting-2025-wipo-overview-3-1)

## Buying or selling a domain?

Call, text or email. Responsiveness is our trademark, and a broker answers, not a form robot.

[Talk to a broker](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/contact) [Call (442) 500-GRIT](tel:+1-442-500-4748)