Update on Network Solutions, Inc. Revises Domain Name Dispute Policy

Network Solutions, Inc. (NSI), the company that manages the Internet domain name registry for the quasi-governmental agency InterNIC, has announced revisions to its Internet "Domain Name Dispute Policy." NSI's revised policy, which governs the right of trademark owners vis-a-vis domain name owners, is scheduled to take effect on September 9. The new policy requires that registered trademark owners who wish to challenge domain names first notify the domain name owner (before requesting assistance from the NSI), and closes an important "loophole" that domain name owners could formerly use to secure, temporarily, their domain name against such trademark challenges. The new policy, however, still does not recognize common law trademark rights, underscoring the importance of trademark registration for trademark owners and domain name owners alike.

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