Security News > 2024 > February > Registrars can now block all domains that resemble brand names
Registrars can now block people from registering tens of thousands of domain names that look like, are spelling variations of, or otherwise infringe on brand names.
While the basic plan lets subscribers block specific domain names that read like their trademark across some 563 extensions, the "Plus" version takes a huge leap forward.
The service offers a priority "AutoCatch" feature, akin to drop-catching a domain, which means as soon as a previously registered domain that reads similar to a brand name expires or otherwise becomes available, GlobalBlock will snatch it for their paying customer.
At this time, it isn't clear if GlobalBlock would restrict only domain registrations that exactly contain a brand name, or will its scope expand to even cover domain names containing any part of a brand name along with other terms.
"The fundamental problem with services like this is that they suppress far more domains than merely those that would infringe trademark. Domain names are themselves a form of speech that we don't want to see constrained by overzealous attempts at brand enforcement," Kit Walsh, senior staff attorney at EFF told BleepingComputer in a statement.
The expert advises that the Uniform Dispute Resolution Process that registrars must follow, already empowers trademark owners with powerful tools to claim domain names that are likely to create confusion.