Cybersquatting is registering, selling, or using a domain name with the intent to profit from another entity's trademark. Dennis Toeppen was one of the earliest cybersquatters, registering domains like delta.com and neiman-marcus.com. To determine if a desired domain name is being cybersquatted, check where the domain takes you - if it leads to advertisements related to the trademark or states it is for sale, it may be a case of cybersquatting. Contact the domain registrant to understand their use before making conclusions or see if they will sell the name. Sometimes paying the cybersquatter is the best choice to resolve the issue quickly and inexpensively versus legal action

1. Cybersquatting

2. What is it? Cybersquatting is registering, selling or using a domain name with the intent of profiting from the goodwill of someone else’s trademark.

3. The first Squatter Delta Dennis Toeppen Neiman-Marcus Eddie Bauer Panavision

4. Who else has been scammed?

5. How do you know if the domain Name you want is being used By a cybersquatter?

6. Check where the domain Name takes you. If the domain takes you to a functioning website that is comprised primarily of advertisements for products or services related to your trademark, you may be a victim or cyber squatting. If your search does not take you to a functioning website, but insteat takes you to a site stating “this domain name for sale” or “under construction” or “can’t find server” the likelihood increases that you’re dealing with a cybersquatter.

7. Contact the domain name registrant. Before jumping to any conclusions, contact the person who the domain is registered to. Find out whether there is a reasonable explanation for he use of the domain name, or if the registrant is willing to sell you the name at a price that you are willing to pay.

8. Pay… if it makes sense. Sometimes, paying the cybersquatter is the best choice. It may end up being much cheaper and quicker than filing a lawsuit or initiating any type of hearing.