Law firm warns against domain name pirates

Law firm Eversheds has issued a warning to users of the potential danger of domain name piracy. The announcement was prompted by the release of the latest batch of addresses, including .web and .firm, over the next few months.

Rex Parry, head of International Property at Eversheds, said registration of names will be on a first-come, first-served basis. He added that the problem will be exacerbated as the names are global rather than local addresses such as .co.uk.

"It makes life very difficult and complicated. Companies should do what they can to secure the name and, with luck, they should be okay. But if a company wants to be on the safe side it should put in as many applications to as many registrars as possible," said Parry.

But he predicted courts will not be sympathetic to individuals "trying to pull a fast one" by attempting to sell back brand names to international organisations.

Graham Smith, a solicitor at law firm Bird & Bird, agreed: "It would be wise for companies to be aware of the different categories and go out there and stake their claim. But the US government and other bodies reviewing the system are well aware of the piracy problem and are trying to put in place dispute resolution mechanisms to try and head problems off at the pass."