intermediateLegal
Trademark
A legally protected brand identifier — trademark rights are central to domain dispute claims.
A trademark is a word, phrase, logo, or symbol that identifies and distinguishes the source of goods or services. In domain disputes, trademark rights are central to UDRP and ACPA claims. A complainant must show they have trademark rights (registered or common-law) that predate the domain registration. Domain investors should research active trademarks in relevant industries before registering domains that could be confused with brand names.