Cybersquatting Microsoft Domains

"winowslivemessenger.com" and "www.micr0soft.co.uk" are two examples of cybersquatting unveiled by Microsoft. Although both domains reference the Redmond Company there is little connection to Microsoft, outside the names. In this regard, the company has stepped up its efforts to counter cybersquatting, and is stopping at nothing short than debuting legal action against those which take advantage from its registered trademarks and brands.

The practice of cybersquatting involves taking advantage of trademarks, brands and misspelled variations of the two via registered Internet domains that are not associated with the owner of the respective trademarks or brands.

"These sites confuse visitors who are trying to reach genuine company Web sites, which can negatively affect corporate brands and reputations as well as impair the end-users' experience online," said Aaron Kornblum, senior attorney with Microsoft. "With every ad hyperlink clicked, a registrant or ad network harvests cash at the trademark owner's expense, while derailing legitimate efforts by computer users who are trying to go to a specific Web site."

Just in the last half of the year, the Redmond Company has identified and reclaimed in excess of 1,100 international domain names that were infringing on its intellectual property. "We hope that our stance and activity on this issue will help motivate and empower other companies whose brands are abused to take action," Kornblum added.

One example of a Microsoft victory over cybersquatting is the settlement with the U.K.-based Dyslexic Domain Company Limited. Microsoft alleged that Dyslexic Domain has managed to register over 6,000 "domain names infringing on Microsoft's trademark and other statutory and common-law rights."