JuliannaThe Register.co.uk published an article last week about how dot-tel will be unattractive to cybersquatters because it does not host websites, only contact information that will be sent to Internet-enabled devices.
Cyberquatters make money by placing pay-per-click advertisements on web pages that are set up on domain names which visitors assume belong to a legitimate organization. For example, look at the advertisements set up on http://www.costcowholesale.ca/. Seeing the domain name, it’s safe to say a visitor would assume this domain belonged to Costco Wholesale Canada and that an official website for this company could be found at this URL.
Because a dot-tel can only contain contact information and keywords, cybersquatting activity of this type will not work. While this is positive in some respects, it does not mean abuse cannot occur because not all cybersquatting hinges on creating a revenue stream from advertising.
Another type of cybersquatting activity is when an individual registers domain names related to well known companies, brands or products. Typically they hold on to these domains hoping the legitimate namesake will cough up some cash rather than undergo a time consuming domain dispute resolution process.
When you think about it, dot-tel’s unique qualities make it a highly important piece of internet real estate to secure. Dot-tel would enable a cybersquatter to input information of their own choosing in the contact fields, and redirect a visitor to whatever website, phone number or email address they wish. There is serious potential for a company’s brand and good name to be compromised and their customers diverted to competing interests with dot-tel. With this in mind, it is critical that companies with registered marks register their dot-tel names during the Sunrise registration period that is restricted to trademark holders.
Read the Register article – New no-advertising domain will deter some cybersquatters.
Click here for more information on dot-tel.
Timeline
Sunrise Registration (registered trademark required) – Dec 03, 2008 – Feb 02, 2009
Landrush Registration – Feb 03 – Mar 23, 2009
General Registration – Opens Mar 23, 2009