Define: Cybersquatting

Cybersquatting is the practice of registering, trafficking in, or using a domain name with the intent of profiting from the goodwill of someone else’s trademark.

Yes, cybersquatting is illegal under the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act (ACPA) in the United States and similar laws in other countries.

You can file a complaint under the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) or bring a lawsuit under the ACPA to reclaim the domain name.

To prove cybersquatting, you must show that the domain name is identical or confusingly similar to your trademark, that the registrant has no legitimate interest in the domain name, and that the domain name was registered and used in bad faith.

Yes, if you can prove cybersquatting, you may be entitled to damages, including statutory damages of up to $100,000 per domain name under the ACPA.

You can take steps to prevent cybersquatting by registering your trademarks as domain names and monitoring for unauthorized use of your trademarks online.

Registering a domain name that is similar to a famous trademark may be considered cybersquatting if it is done in bad faith and with the intent to profit from the goodwill of the trademark.

If you believe a domain name is being cybersquatted, you can file a complaint under the UDRP to have the domain name transferred to you.

If you accidentally register a domain name that includes a trademark and have a legitimate interest in the domain name, you may not be held liable for cybersquatting. However, if you use the domain name in bad faith, you could be at risk for legal action.