Attorney Protection of Your Domain Names

		Basic Facts about Domain Names
	What is a Domain Name?
		Domain names are the familiar, easy to remember names for computers on the Internet (such as yahoo.com). The domain name corresponds to a series of numbers (called Internet Protocol numbers) that serve as routing addresses on the Internet. Domain names are used as a convenient way to locate information and reach others on the Internet.
	What does it mean to "register" a domain name?
		The domain name system (DNS) is a directory, organized hierarchically, of all the domain names and their corresponding computers registered to particular entities and persons using the Internet. When you register a domain name, it will be associated with the computer on the Internet you designate while the registration is in effect.
	What are gTld's and ccTld's and how can I get a registration?
		gTld means generic top level domain name (e.g.: .com, .org, .net, .biz, .info) Click here for more information. ccTld means the country top level domain names (e.g.: .us, .cc, .nu, .tv) Click here for more information. Domain names ending with .com, .net, .biz, info or .org can be registered through many different companies (known as "registrars"). They compete with one another for your business. An alphabetical listing of these companies can be found at the InterNIC Registrar Directory. The country directories are handled differently by each. Some countries have a single registrar, and others have multiple registrars. Some of the country registrars are used for worldwide commercial purposes, while others are restricted to business establishments within the country.
	What is involved in registering a domain name?
		To register a domain name, you must provide the registrar you select with contact and technical information. The registrar then keeps record of the information and submits it to a central directory known as the "registry." This registry provides other computers on the Internet the information to find your web site, upload and download files and send you e-mail. As part of the registration process, you are required to enter into an agreement, which among other things typically requires you to agree to UDRP and limits the liability of the registrar.
	What information is public after I register my domain name?
		All of your contact information, name, address, and the like of the owner of the domain name, are all publicly available. This information is required in order for third parties to find you in case of an infringement situation, or other potential violation of law. The various "whois" databases make this information available to the general public. Click here to search a "whois" database.
	How long can I register a domain name and how much does it cost?
		Each registrar has different policies on how long and the charges for each year of registration. By rule, domain names can not be registered for more than ten years. There are a number of registrars that will register your domain name for as little as $15.00 (U.S.) per year.
	Someone else has registered my trademark or company name as a domain name. What is the process for resolving my complaint?
		All ICANN-accredited registrars follow the Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP). Under the UDRP, disputes over entitlement to a domain-name registration are ordinarily resolved by court litigation between the parties claiming rights to the registration. Once the court rules who is entitled to the registration, the registrar will implement that ruling. In disputes arising from registrations allegedly made abusively (such as "cybersquatting" and cyberpiracy"), the UDRP provides an expedited arbitration procedure to permit dispute resolution without the cost and delays encountered in court litigation. We have filed and successfully won many of these disputes on behalf of our clients.