What Is Defensive acquisition? Domain Glossary

Why it matters

Companies make defensive acquisitions to block confusion or abuse. A brand might buy a typo name, or an old name from a former product. Unlike a new defensive registration, the name already has an owner, so the buyer must negotiate. The price is often higher because the buyer is known to need it. A common mistake is overpaying for a name with little risk. Weigh the real threat first. Is the name close enough to harm the brand? Would a legal route, such as a UDRP, be cheaper? A stealth purchase can keep the price lower.

Source: sullysblog.com

Where we use this term

LLL, NNN, and 4-Letter Domains: How Short Domains Are Valued

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.
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.
Brand protection: Brand protection is the set of steps a company takes to guard its name online. For domains, it includes registering key names, watching for lookalikes and acting against misuse.
Stealth acquisition: A purchase where the buyer's identity is kept from the seller, usually through a broker or an intermediary company. It is used so the seller does not raise the price after learning who wants the name.
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.

All 205 terms

Why it matters

Where we use this term

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