Domain Name Disputes & Internet Intellectual Property Protection
WHAT IS PROTECTEDAn electronic address for a location on the internet (such as a website) either for a generic top-level domain name (gTLD) eg .com or country code top level domain name (cc TLD) eg .com.au.
OBTAINING PROTECTION
By application to a domain name Registrar.
WHO GAINS PROTECTION
Anyone who can demonstrate eligibility for a domain name space. For example, in the case of a com.au, the domain name must either be an exact match, abbreviation or acronym of an Australian trade mark application or registration or be otherwise closely and substantially connected to the applicant or its business.
LENGTH OF PROTECTION
A .com.au domain name licence period is fixed at two years, renewable perpetually provided the Registrant continues to meet the eligibility criteria. gTLD’s and many ccTLD’s allow domain name licence periods between one and 10 years.
PROTECTION CONFERRED
There are no proprietary rights conferred under a domain name registration. A Registrant does not “own” a domain name. Instead the Registrant holds a licence to use the domain name for a specified period of time.