How To Secure a Domain Name

Your domain name is your venture’s gateway to investors and customers online.  It’s often the first point of contact with your business when searching the internet. A professional domain name signals credibility and helps build trust.

A domain name is part of your identity, as it’s what people type to find your website and may form part of your email address and wider brand.

Domain names are made of two parts:

• Brand name (second level domain)
• .com (top level domain)

1. Trademark protection for your brand online

Secure trademark protection by registering your brand for a trademark. A registered trademark gives you legal rights to challenge and recover domain names that use your mark.

2. Register your domain name with a trusted domain name registrar

• Use a trusted domain name registrar: always buy your domain name from an Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) accredited registrars. This ensures the domain name will be recognized internationally.
• Select a second level domain name that matches your business or brand. If you already have a registered trademark, make sure it matches your domain name as this will provide you with additional protection.
• Pick appropriate top-level domains (TLDs):
  • Common options include .com, .net, tech, .io
  • Country-specific TLCs (like .uk or .eu) are available regardless of location. These are sometimes used creatively to indicate specific industries like .ai or .tv.
  • Some TLDs are restricted (.gov, .edu) or industry specific (.pharma, green). See the full list of available TLDs in in IANA’s Root Zone Database.
• Check if your domain name is taken. If the preferred domain name is already registered:
• Reevaluate your brand: For early-stage businesses and ventures, consider adjusting your brand name to secure an available domain.
• Try variations: Add relevant terms like:
  • Your location
  • Your industry
  • Your key product
• Consider different TLDs: Explore alternatives like:
  • .tech for technology companies
  • .ai for AI/ML busineses
  • app for software companies
• Secure various domain name extensions and misspelled domain name variations

3. Maintain control of domain name

When working with web developers, be sure to:

• Register the domain under your company’s name
• Keep all login credentials and access controls
• Document your ownership in a contract

4. Control Licensed Use of Domain Name

When working with licensees, make sure to specify:

• Permissions to sell online
• Domain name registration rights and acceptable formats (e.g brandname-licensee.com)
• Transfer of registered domain names or process when license ends

5. Monitor the internet for cybersquatting or trademark infringements

The abusive practice of registering a domain name in bad faith using a protected trademark, brand or company name may lead to cases of fraud, financial loss or unauthorized advertising. When a brand or domain name is misused to deceive consumers online in these ways (also known as “cybersquatting”), ventures can take action.

6. Take action against cybersquatters

• Conduct a Whois Search to find out who is the domain name registrant and find their contact details
• Contact the domain name registrant to try to solve this amicably and ask them to stop using the infringed domain name or to sell it voluntarily
• File a Domain Name Dispute Resolution case with WIPO.
• Take legal action if the dispute resolution was unsuccessful

Securing your domain name is a critical step in establishing and protecting your venture's online presence. By following these six key steps, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with domain name disputes and cybersquatting. By taking the necessary steps to protect and manage it effectively, you can build trust with your customers and investors while securing your long-term digital presence.