What are Your Rights: Domain Name Disputes (cont.)
Contributed by Robyn Thomson
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Mike Rowe is a teenager from Canada who started a little software site. He dubbed his site Mike Rowe Software and shortened the name for his domain to mikerowesoft.com. As soon as Microsoft, the software giant, discovered this site, it immediately took action to sue the youth and get him to give up his domain. In the end the two settled with Mike Rowe receiving some perks, and Microsoft getting the domain name.
Mike Rowe had a leg to stand on, it is reasonable for someone to name a software site after themselves. Had this teenager not had the name he has, it would be likely that he would not have succeeded in getting a equally beneficial settlement.
What is the likelihood of someone coming up on top in a Domain Name Dispute?
Alas, unless you have a strong case supporting your reasoning for having this domain name, it is likely that you may not enter into a beneficial settlement, but do not lose faith. Many companies would rather settle than get into a large legal spat with an every day person, as it makes them look like bullies, and that can be seen as negative press.
It is always beneficial to avoid domain name disputes so when picking a domain name, take care not to chose a name that is clearly an offshoot of a trademark, company, or famous individual.
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