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Can a domain name function as a trademark?
A domain name can also function as a trademark, so long as the domain name is used in such a way that it also identifies the source of particular goods and services.
Is my domain copyrighted?
No, for a variety of reasons web addresses (also known as a domain names or URLs) aren’t protected by copyright. Even though copyright doesn’t protect domain names, that doesn’t mean domain names are entirely unprotected. Trademark law protects web addresses. All sorts of names and designs can be trademarks.
Can you get sued if someone trademarks your domain name?
You are likely to have a strong claim against someone who registers a domain name using your trademark and then uses it to sell similar products. Even if they have some right to the domain name, you could take court action against them for breaching your intellectual property rights.
Can we register a domain name as a trademark?
The domain names of the companies are not merely representing the websites but also attain the status of the business identifier. But all domain name cannot be registered as trademarks. A domain is a URL (website address) associated with an IP address which gives an online identity. For example, “Quickcompany.in” is a domain name.
When is a domain name considered a trademark?
If your brand name is not generic or purely descriptive, and if you have a domain name that is your brand name, then, yes, your domain name is a trademark. A good example of this would be ebay.com.
Is a domain name subject to copyright law?
Copyright law does not protect domain names. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), a nonprofit organization that has assumed the responsibility for domain name system management, administers the assigning of domain names through accredited registers.
How to check a name for a trademark?
Use an online search engine. Type the business names you’re considering into your favorite search engines.