Internationalised domain names : the window of opportunity for cybersquatters

Abstract

The article examines trademark law issues surrounding the newly available opportunity to register domain names partially or fully in languages using alphabets other than Latin (Roman). A number of linguistic, technological and legal factors that should be considered by trademark owners intending to have their trademarks registered as internationalised domain names (IDNs) is being discussed. The Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) adopted by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is argued to be an inadequate instrument for adjudication of rights for many domain names of the kind, while the importance of proactive action and self-help for cybersquatting prevention is being stressed upon.