I have recently taken up a role to offer advice to a UK registered charity (Company A) that owns a registered trademark. They have also registered a domain name and set themselves up online in the last 12 months.
Unfortunately due to a clerical error at the domain registering company (I have been told) they only registered companya.org - not companya.com or companya.co.uk.
In the interim, a commercial company in the same field has bought up the domains companya.com and companya.co.uk. Initially after a number of very amicable discussions they offered to transfer the domains back as a sign of goodwill. However, they have got a sniff of money as there is to be a Government-backed advertising campaign later this year and as a result they have now turned round and demanded a £3,000 p.a. 'lease fee' as well as a link from the homepage - but will not transfer.
The charity is involved in offering a service to the public that needs to be regulated, but currently there is no legislation. They are 'peddling' unqualified and uninsured services through this site (no not porn!).
I contacted the basic google links but heard nothing back from their legal department - has anyone else had this problem but received help from the search engines in banning the domains and IP addresses or simply helping to resolve it without the expense and hassle of WIPO?
Thanks for any coments
TWinky
If you have an enforceable trademark, come down on these squatters like a ton of bricks. Even if you did get them banned from Google, you've got the same problem of people typing in the wrong domain and ending up at this other site.
You should find information on how to do this on their site
[nic.uk...]
Technically you're right it's not Google's problem - but our issue is that this company is recommending people that have no qualifications and no insurance in an area where personal injury can be very high!
We have already contacted Nominet and have considered the legal angle, but it takes time and loads of money (where the lawyers are concerned)!
Thanks for your help.
TW
Pay up is the best option.
Shak
The Nominet dispute procedure isn't too complicated - the main task is to carefully gather your evidence and prove that they have registered the domain in bad faith (ie an abusive registration).
From what you say, your case would be along the lines of:
1. We are a charity providing a service.
2. They originally offered to transfer the domain for free.
3. Now they demand money.
4. Our industries are similar / the same so it can easily confuse surfers within a very sensitive area.
5. Highlight the unqualified and uninsures aspects.
6. The fact that you are a registered charity will help a great deal.
Im sure there are more arguements, but you get the general idea.
Scott
As a Domain Broker its my job to encourage sales and discourage Nominet DRS :)
Shak
As a cheapskate its my job to discourage paying for stuff and to encourage blagging it for free! ;)
Scott
As a marketer it is my job not to get on the wrong side of people like Shak...
But if the charity have a recognised trade mark and the others are "selling" a similar services they are safe as houses.
Well - straw houses...
