Domain names

Domain names are the gateway to your company's global presence. Having control over your brand online is essential for its reputation and continued success.

Abusive domain name registrations can be detrimental to your business, leading to misdirected traffic, consumer confusion, and revenue loss. In order to protect your brand and clients, it is important to take immediate action against any misappropriations by cybersquatters, counterfeiters, and other infringers of intellectual property rights.

Our Intellectual Property Team has extensive experience in domain name matters, including the handling of domain name disputes as well as advising on the transfer of domain name portfolios in M&A and bankruptcy situations.

What services can we provide?

• Domain name disputes
  As an alternative to court action, an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) proceeding is a cost-efficient and time-saving solution when combatting infringing use of domain names.
  
  Houthoff represents clients in domain name disputes concerning generic Top-Level Domains ('.com', '.org', '.info', etc.) and country code Top-Level Domains ('.nl', '.eu', '.co', etc.). ADR proceedings are particularly suitable for cybersquatting, brand impersonation, and typosquatting cases. They deliver a relatively quick resolution to immediate threats by allowing trademark owners to seek the transfer or cancellation of the infringing domain name.
  
  
• Court litigation
  We have vast experience in IP litigation and regularly represent clients in domain name disputes and other IP disputes. Court action may be necessary if a case is not suited for an ADR procedure, the domain name does not incorporate your trademark, or you would like to seek injunctive relief, claim payment of damages, or both.