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What about my Internet Domain Name?
An Internet Domain Name, or address, is very often used not only as a means for locating a Web site, but also as a symbol of the goods or services sold, published, advertised or transmitted on the Web site. However, a domain name registration is not enough!
Domain Names are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis and no investigation is conducted regarding whether a proposed name is likely to be confused with a trademark. The registrar simply ascertains whether a requested address name is already registered in the domain name database.
A domain name registration does not create any rights other than the right to use a particular Domain Name. Even this right is tenuous. If another party provides proof of registration of a trademark that is identical to a Domain Name and the Domain Name owner does not own a trademark registration, the Domain Name may be placed "on hold" rendering it unavailable to the Domain Name owner.
If you use your Domain Name to represent your business, a Domain Name registration provides no protection of the good will and reputation that your Domain Name has come to represent. Trademark registration should be considered.
Trademark Search - Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Trademark?
- Why do I need to protect my Trademark?
- What about my Internet Domain Name?
- What are the benefits of registering?
- What can be trademarked?
- Marks to avoid when choosing a Trademark or Service Mark
- Is it advisable to conduct a search before I apply to register a Trademark?
- Do I need to be using my Trademark to register it?
- How do I know which class my goods fall in?
- Can I file in more than one international class & what are the implications?
- Should I apply in my own name or in the name of my company or corporation?
- How long does it take for the Trademark Office to process my application?
- The Trademark application process
- What is an Office Action?
- What happens when a mark is published?
- What is an opposition?
- How long does a Trademark last?
- Use of the TM ® and SM Symbols
- How to use a Trademark
- Can I assign my trademark to a third party?
- What is trademark watch?
- Why choosing two languages for Community Trademarks?
- What is priority or priority deadline?
- What is the “next deadline”?
- What are “designated countries”?
- What are “decisions”?