A company’s web domain may very well reflect its brand’s trademark to one degree or another. It may be the official name or slogan for the company, making it easy for people to remember how to find the business on the internet.
Unfortunately, even the best domains leave brands at risk of typosquatting. If a competitor or another party with nefarious intentions acquires a similar domain name to engage in typosquatting, company leaders may need to take legal action to protect not only the organization’s brand but also the consumers looking for the company online.
What is typosquatting?
Typosquatting involves purchasing a domain name that is similar to but different from the exact web address used by a brand. Frequently, the party engaging in typosquatting selects a very similar domain name with one letter or number out of place.
If people intending to visit a company’s website mistype the web address, they may end up on a fake website intended to distribute viruses or trick them into purchasing knock-off goods rather than the branded products they actually want. They could also be at risk of malware.
Typosquatting is generally an intentional attempt to manipulate the success of another brand for personal gain. Not only does it prevent visitors from reaching a website, but it may also affect the company’s reputation, its consumers may blame the brand for whatever occurred after they mistyped a web domain address.
Intellectual property (IP) can be very valuable for a company and may require assertive responses in cases involving intentional IP infringement. Taking legal action to protect a company, including its trademark, can limit the damage done by those engaging in manipulative practices, including typosquatting.