In an increasingly internet-driven economy, visibility is a decisive competitive advantage. The domain with which you can be found on the internet is therefore an economic asset whose value can hardly be overestimated. Even simple domains regularly cost four-figure sums, and top domains even cost millions. The question of who has which rights to an internet address is therefore often the core issue in a trademark dispute or contractual arrangement. Do you have any questions about this? Then we would be happy to provide you with our expertise.
Our consulting services
Would you like to purchase a paid domain? Then you should do this through a lawyer! We check the domain for trademark risks before purchase, take care of the legally secure acquisition of the domain, transfer ownership to you, provide you with understandable information about your domain rights and are available as a contact person if you have any further questions about your domain.
A domain can be protected by various rights. The most important right in practice is trademark law. The trademark for the domain should ideally be registered in advance, otherwise at the same time or, if necessary, as soon as possible after purchase. With our experience from more than 1,500 trademark registrations, we are happy to assist you with this.
Domains are valuable and therefore often the subject of legal disputes. We use our expertise and experience to take action on behalf of our clients not only against the direct infringers, but if necessary also against the portal operators, internet providers and other persons liable as so-called “disturbers” who are involved in the infringement.
It also often happens that unjustified warnings are issued in the event of domain name conflicts. Third-party rights holders use warnings, threats of high amounts in dispute and damages, and other means to put pressure on you to transfer the domain to them or have it deleted. We support domain owners in the event of unjustified warnings and defend their rights.
While national domain name conflicts are usually decided in the ordinary courts, international conflicts are resolved using alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedures. The Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP), an arbitration procedure developed by ICANN that can be used before WIPO, for example, is particularly widespread. The procedure represents a comparatively inexpensive and efficient way of resolving domain disputes.
Domains can be the subject of various contracts, including purchase and transfer agreements or license agreements. Since domains are important economic assets, these contracts should be drawn up carefully and professionally in order to ensure legal certainty and peace. We are happy to support you in this.
Lawyer for domain law
Dr. David Slopek has more than 10 years of intensive practical experience gained in Germany and abroad. After completing his studies, obtaining a Master of Laws and a doctorate at Heinrich-Heine-University-Düsseldorf, he was admitted to the bar by the Düsseldorf Bar Association in 2012. He learned his legal craft from scratch in a leading international law firm, for which he worked for around seven years in Alicante and Hamburg. In 2016, the Hanseatic Bar Association of Hamburg awarded him the title of specialist lawyer for intellectual property law. In addition to his professional qualifications, he has also published extensively, with over 80 specialist publications. He and his team will advise you with expertise and experience in all matters of trademark law.
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