Intellicutal Properties Question About URLs

StephB

Hi All,
 
I am getting ready to file the trademark paperwork for my new business; however, the URL that matches the name of my business was recently registered, in an effort to spoil my plans. If my filing is approved at both the USPTO and the state level will the owner be required to release the rights to me?
 
Thank you ... I truly appreciate any assistance that you can provide.
 

patentandtrademark

why are you filing for trademark at BOTH state and USPTO level?

MattThomas

I don`t think a domain name owner is required to release the domain to you if you own the trademark. Chances are that they purchased the domain because they know you will need it and they are expecting you to pay a premium for it. Sadly, as far as I know, the only way to get the domain in this case is to buy it from the owner.

patentandtrademark

how much money is it worth to you to get the url?

MattTurpin

Did the person snatch up all the possible dots? I could see a person nabbing dot com to spite you, but grabbing dot net, dot org and dot biz would be a very costly spite. Revenge is a dish best served without a steep yearly renewal cost. If you`re lucky, maybe you can just grab an alternate dot. Dot com, net and org are all fairly equally ingrained in the internet users` psyche. Dot biz is just as good if people are reading your domain to find it anyway. This way your nemesis will be stuck having wasted money for a useless name that you can get later on when s/he gives up.

patentandtrademark

Buehler?

patentandtrademark

Sometimes the trademark owner IS required to release the domain to the trademark owner.  Stick to your area.