Cybersquatting refers to any unauthorized use of internet domain names similar to trademarks, company names, personal names, or service marks. The term also refers to any unauthorized purchase or registration of the name in question when done with bad faith. Cybersquatting can occur in different ways, depending on the purchaser. In some situations, the purchaser buys a domain name with the sole intention of selling it to the company or individual at a much higher cost. Another popular method of cybersquatting includes the parking of a website with similar ads of the trademarked company. 

For example, a company named Joe’s Bananas can be a victim of cybersquatting in the following ways. In the first example, Joe’s Bananas is created but fails to purchase the domain name. Bob sees the company domain for sale and decides to buy it at an average fee. When Joe’s Bananas attempt to acquire the domain, they discover Bob is the owner. Bob tries to sell the domain to the company for $6,000. 

In the second example, Joe’s Bananas purchase the proper domain name when establishing its business. Bob decides to profit off Joe’s success and launches a very similar domain, ending in a .org suffix. Bob connects the domain to his Google ads account, creating a website promoting competitor products through ads. Anyone that mistypes Joe’s website is now brought to Bob’s domain. Bob profits off the unauthorized use of the name.

How Can I Protect my Business?

If you’re starting a business, the first thing you need to do is register your domain. Whenever possible, register any other website suffix (the .com or .org on a website). Many platforms allow a discounted rate for multiple domains, protecting your company name from cybersquatting. You’ll also want to use a social media name checker to confirm the availability of your business name on the platforms. Remember, cybersquatting is the deliberate use of a business name to extort or profit. It is not a social media page established before your business registration.

Is Cybersquatting Legal?

No. cybersquatting is not legal, with legislation passing to protect businesses from the practice. The Anticybersquatting Legislation encompasses the ACPA (Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act). This legislation can hold the unauthorized user liable for damages to the trademark owner, including financial restitution. Local state laws can also offer additional protection for business owners or individuals victimized by this act.

What to do if you’re a victim of cybersquatting

If you believe a website infringes on your trademark or business name, an investigation is the first step. Evaluate the website in question by clicking on the domain. Is the domain functional, or is it a parked domain?

A functional website

A website with a header, logo, and business information listed on the company website is likely not a cybersquatter. Assess whether the business is legitimate; do they have a phone number or email address posted? Is the blog current? If yes, there’s likely nothing you can do to have the site removed.

A functional website publishing advertisement or information related to competitive businesses is likely a case of squatting. These individuals will publish a domain mimicking your brand in hopes of attracting visitors and website traffic off of your company’s back.

A Parked Domain

These websites will typically bring visitors to a “domain for sale” page, directing users to purchase the site. These platforms may require close monitoring but aren’t necessarily a sign of cybersquatting.

Handling Cybersquatting Head-On

Many times, contacting the registered domain owner is the easiest method of resolution. Look up the domain owner through the WHOIS directory and reach out by email. Don’t make assumptions in the email; contact them to see what’s happening with the website in question. The owner may want to sell you the domain for a reasonable fee, which is an option for the fastest resolution.

If you’d like to fight cybersquatting, business owners have two options. The first would require a motion under the ACPA. The trademark owner must prove the website or domain was created in bad faith. This means you must show that the site was identical, substantially similar, or was done with the intent to profit off the company. The domain owner must show the purchase was in good faith, such as a similar registered business in another country.

Alternatively, you can pursue action with ICANN (Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers). This process is less expensive and faster (you don’t need an attorney). Monetary damages are not available using this method. Like ACPA, the trademark owner must show the domain was in bad faith. If they win, the website domain will be transferred or cancelled upon request.

When the pandemic started last year and working from home became the new norm for a good portion of the global workforce, no one thought the situation would drag on this long. It’s only natural that many people found it difficult to adjust to the new work-from-home situation. If you’re someone who dislikes the whole affair, there are ways to make it better.

There are several simple ways to level up your work-from-home situation and boost your productivity, including:

1. Make it Separate

The first mistake most people make when working from home is working from your bedroom. If you really want to focus on your work and be productive, setting up a work-from-home space in a separate area other than where you relax is ideal. Ideally, you should convert the most isolated room in your household for home office purposes. Make sure your work room gets plenty of natural light.

A bedroom is a place for relaxation and family time, meaning if you try to work from there, you’ll be constantly interrupted by loud noise and family members passing by. Set boundaries for your workspace and ask your family members to respect your regular working hours and not interrupt. If you can afford it, make your room soundproof in case you have a loud household.

2. Improve Your Electronics

Another important thing that you need to do to have a smooth work from home experience is investing in quality electronic devices. These include smartphones, laptops, desktops, printers, and other devices that are necessary for your profession. If you work with slow and outdated devices, your work speed and efficiency will suffer greatly. This applies, particularly to laptops and desktops.

Printers are also inseparable devices for home offices, especially for those whose work involves constantly scanning and printing documents. With the advancement of technology, there are now a variety of reliable printer options available in the market, such as Canon copiers from ACP, that offer high-quality printing, scanning, and copying capabilities. These devices can greatly enhance the productivity and efficiency of your home office, allowing you to focus on your work without worrying about the reliability of your equipment.

Do you constantly wonder why is my laptop so slow? If you do, it might be time to try out common fixes for slow laptops. Before trying anything, make sure you install the latest software and OS updates. This can make a great difference in performance. Despite all that, sometimes, you need to let a professional handle your laptop repair if common fixes don’t work.

3. Buy Comfortable, But Stylish Clothing

When you’re working from home, there’s no need to dress in formals and feel stiff all the time. If you don’t have to spend a lot of time on video meetings, then it’s best to opt for comfy and stylish casual clothing. With winter almost knocking at the door, make sure to invest in comfy sweaters and leggings.

However, that doesn’t mean you should wear your pajamas all day. What you wear strongly impacts your mindset, so wearing something you wear at night might not help your productivity. Also, make sure to wear fresh clothes every day to maintain proper hygiene.

4. Get an Espresso Machine

Though this tip might sound like overkill, it actually isn’t. Many people are dependent on caffeine to get them through the day since it gives a strong energy boost. If you’re one of them, keeping an espresso machine in your work area can be an excellent idea as you won’t have to make frequent trips to the kitchen to enjoy a cup of coffee.

Espresso machines aren’t exactly cheap and can easily set you back a few hundred dollars, so try to invest in one if you find that you have money to spare. You can also set up a coffee bar if you want in case you have meetings at home. 

5. Make a Playlist

Don’t underestimate the power of music when it comes to motivating yourself to work. It has been scientifically proven through research that music influences and energizes the mind. Having a playlist to boost your morale when you’re feeling down when working is an excellent way to get energized.

If you find yourself procrastinating in the morning hours, having a playlist to ease you into work is a great idea. Just don’t get carried away and let the music distract you.

Take Control of the Situation

Working from home might have been a dream come true for many over the pandemic lockdowns, but for many others, it’s something difficult to adapt to. Following the above-mentioned advice can help you make the situation more bearable. By taking control of how you approach things, you can make the best of the current situation.