company name in relation to domain name

[no2broady]

I manage a website with a domain name which is exactly the same as our company name. Lets say for example its called

http://www.companyname.com

recently I found a registered site called

http://www.company-name.com

being used by a company who do exactly what mine does. It is not being used to forward you to their official website, but has a one page company profile.

I was wondering if anyone has come accross this before, and if there are any laws which govern these sorts of things.

The worst thing about it is I know who has done it and they are trying to feed of our high rank. We have also had customers asking about this as they think we have changed our company name.

Any ideas?

JB

 

[ChrisHirst]

Yes basically it's "passing off". Talk to your company legal department. It can get a bit complicated but in 90% of cases the later registrant loses if it goes to an ICANN dispute and the domain name can get transferred to you. More often they back down and remove it before that point.


Chris.

Indifference will be the downfall of mankind, but who cares?

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So long, and thanks for all the fish.

 

[no2broady]

Thanks for the reply ChrisHirst, I will get onto them about that.