The new generic top level domain (gTLD) program created by the Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) will normally be implemented at the end of the year. It involves the creation of many new domain names so brands owners have started to protect their trademarks by registering these. Brands registered at Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH) have the priority for registering their name on the new extensions they chose. This is called the sunrise period and is valid for thirty days from the creation of a new extension.
Facebook is the first brand owner to file a dispute using the Uniform Rapid Security System (URS(S) a new domain dispute resolution system created to provide a fast and effective way to protect registered trademarks. It’s also an alternative to the Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) already used by trademark holders. However the new ICANN’s system is faster and quite cheaper.
The world largest social network used this new dispute resolution system to dispute the ownership of a new domain name: Facebok.pw (Operator of the “.pw” registry adopted the URS in May 2013).
Facebook submitted the first complaint through URS on 21 August 2013, contesting the registration of facebok.pw as the domain was created only to generate click-through revenue for the registrant. Also, registrant didn’t respond to the complaint and had previously been accused of cybersquatting. (suite…)