Unauthorized Blockchain Domain Names - What’s a Brand to Do?

Hosted by Simone Roach Just when you thought you had a handle on domain name enforcement, blockchain technology has given rise to blockchain domain names, which bring novel and complex challenges. There are currently millions of blockchain domain names, with extensions such as “.crypto” and “.eth.” These domain names may be used as an address for a website (typically on the decentralized web), as well as for other purposes, such as an identifier or nickname for a crypto wallet. Some blockchain domain names mimic brand or celebrity names and are being offered for sale on NFT marketplaces for the cryptocurrency equivalent of $100,000 or much more. This advisory provides a summary background regarding blockchain domain names and some suggestions for rights owners to navigate the new challenges they present with respect to enforcement. This podcast and advisory provide: Basic background regarding blockchain domain names What is a Blockchain Domain Name? How Are Blockchain Domain Names Used? Alternative enforcement strategies Link to advisory - https://www.kelleydrye.com/News-Events/Publications/Client-Advisories/Unauthorized-Blockchain-Domain-Names-What-s-a-Bran Please contact Andrea Calvaruso or Kerianne Losier if you have intellectual property (IP) related questions about these developments or how they may apply to your business. Andrea Calvaruso acalvaruso@kelleydrye.com (212) 808-7853 Bio - https://www.kelleydrye.com/Our-People/Andrea-L-Calvaruso Kerianne Losier klosier@kelleydrye.com (212) 808-7584 Bio - https://www.kelleydrye.com/Our-People/Kerianne-Losier Produced by Jeff Scurry