Notice of Class Action Settlement in the Matters of McElroy v. Network Solutions LLC, et. al, Case No. CV 08-01247 PSG (VBKx) Finseth v. Network Solutions LLC, Case No. CV 08-01537 PSG (VBKx)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

In The Matters of
McElroy v. Network Solutions LLC, et. al, Case No. CV 08-01247 PSG (VBKx)
Finseth v. Network Solutions LLC, Case No. CV 08-01537 PSG (VBKx)

NOTICE OF CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT

Cybersquatting the Social Networks: A New Trademark Risk

WebProNews has recently published a couple alarming articles concerning name squatting on social networks such as Twitter and Facebook. The author, Chris Crum, correctly notes in his article titled “Cybersquatting Goes Social” that cybersquatting continues to be a growing problem on the Internet (see Figure 1.).  However, he brings to light another growing problem that trademark owners face as cybersquatters partake in the unethical and illegal practice of registering trademark protected brands with the popular social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook.  

Domain Name Registrars & Cybersquatting: How The ACPA Applies To GoDaddy Parked Pages

We are often asked with Registrars are liable for cybersquatting, domain theft, trademark infringement, negligence in failing to process domain registrations and other issues. Under the Anti-Cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act, registrars have some protection from cybersquatting allegations, but they are not absolute. Registrars such as GoDaddy who offer parking solutions for themselves and their registrants can be held liable under the ACPA.