Domain Name

Choosing the right domain name can have significant commercial significance as much of today’s trade and communication with clients happens via the Internet. A number of companies have had their name or trademark registered as a domain name by third parties wishing to increase traffic to their own website, prevent the rightful owner from using the name or sell the domain name at a high price. Getting the rights to your domain name is critical.

Registration of a domain name does not, in itself, confer legal rights to the name. In order to properly protect your name, you should register your trademark as well as the domain. It is also important to carry out preliminary investigations of the name you want to use as a domain name or trademark before registering or acquiring a domain. Our lawyers are experts with experience of all areas related to domain names.

NORID / ICANN

All “.no” domain names must be registered with UNINETT Norid AS (Norid). Norid is responsible for administering the central database of domain names in Norway and domain names are assigned on the basis of application. ICANN is the equivalent international authority.

Disputes often arise in connection with the registration and use of domain names, and Bryn Aarflot can help you to protect your rights. If your trademark has been registered as a domain name or part of a domain name by another party, we can get the domain name transferred to you. Our lawyers have extensive experience and knowledge of both domains and trademarks.

In most countries there are administrative complaint procedures that can be followed if you believe someone has registered a domain name, which infringes your rights. In Norway, such disputes are handled by the domain complaints body. If the deadline for filing a complaint has expired, the dispute must be brought before the Norwegian courts for consideration and decision. Bryn Aarflot’s lawyers have extensive experience of conducting such disputes, both in Norway and internationally.