Is it possible for an American to legally register a .ca domain?

[moheybee]

I've read the .ca "rules", but I figure there has to be some way to get around them. Am I right?

I don't actually want to put a website up at the domain name. I just want to ensure someone doesn't try to take advantage of my company's name and try to compete with us. I figure registering the domain name (if it's possible) is much easier and cheaper than a lawsuit.

If worse comes to worse, I guess I could try calling one of my Canadian friends and ask them to register the domain name for me.

[davezan]

I think that would be more feasible. But ensure that the domain name is
registered to you instead of your friend's.

If it can be helped, look over your friend's shoulder while registering it. :)

[encyclo]

Whatever you do, you are still going against the rules.

If you use an address belonging to a Canadian friend, you'll probably get away with it. Don't point the domain name to your real site or use it in any way, though - just wipe the nameservers completely. The worst that can probably happen is that the domain is taken back by the CIRA and put on sale again.

As I said - it's against the rules to do this: I can't tell you what to do, but if you buy the domain, at least you'll be aware of the situation.

[instinct]

I'm just curious, how would having the friend buy the domain be against any rules? If he is Canadian (and does indeed register in his own name) he should be able to buy any domain name he wants. Also, he should be able to redirect or link anywhere he wants.

am I right or?