[WEB4LIB] domain name squatters

[Brandon Dennis]

In cases like this, you can review the ICANN Uniform Domain Name Dispute
Resolution Policy (that's a mouthful, huh) at
http://www.icann.org/udrp/udrp-policy-24oct99.htm.
 
In general, ICANN and InterNIC (including Network Solutions) have been
very admirable on reversing cybersquatters.  You don't need a trademark,
only the fact that you're known by one or more names.  In addition, they
take into account WHAT the current domain name is being used for.  If
it's just trying to sell domain names or search engine redirection, etc.
they usually will transfer it back into your name for standard fees.
Again, I'm no expert though, so you may want to take a look at the
policy if you're having patrons with trouble.
 
And Hennepincountylibrary.com sounds very much like forward thinking.
In my opinion, one of the best "forward thinking" examples is Paramount
Studios - you can search for any domain that's related to their
properties (e.g., StarTrek.com) and find that they were registered in
the 80s or early 90s.
 
The only other way to combat problems like that is a "marketing style"
focus to make sure that patrons know the correct domain name for the
library.  :)  I don't know how to do that yet, and your hands may be
tied to a large extent.  Best of luck!
 
Brandon
Shreve Memorial Library

	-----Original Message----- 
	From: Scritchfield, Larry [mailto:LScritch at MAIL.co.washoe.nv.us]

	Sent: Tue 1/4/2005 3:52 PM 
	To: Multiple recipients of list 
	Cc: 
	Subject: [WEB4LIB] domain name squatters
	
	

	I recently had a voicemail from a patron who couldn't locate our
library
	website. She said "I put in 'Washoe County Library' and I get
	http://www.washoecountylibrary.com/. None of the links on that
page are what
	I want though."
	
	Unfortunately she was so distraught by this that she neglected
to leave her
	phone number...
	
	I tried kingcountylibrary.com. Same sort of result.
jacksoncountylibrary.com
	is apparently too generic, but webercountylibrary.com and
	sonomacountylibrary.com (just to pick two) are occupied by
nameking.com.
	
	But hennepincountylibrary.com redirects to hclib.org. Is this
due to
	foresight on their part, I wonder?
	
	It's old news that this kind of squatting happens. I just didn't
think it
	would happen to us. Shoulda registered a trademark or service
mark, I guess.
	
	Larry Scritchfield
lscritch at mail.co.washoe.nv.us
	Internet Services Librarian                             (775)
327-8349
	Washoe County Library System
www.washoe.lib.nv.us