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Cyber-squatting hits 'record high'

The number of incidences of cyber-squatting reached a record high during 2008, figures from the UN's World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) have revealed.

According to the report, 2,329 complaints were made to WIPO under the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy, up eight per cent compared to 2007.

Cyber-squatting refers to the registration of domain names similar to those of famous brands or people, often resulting in internet users looking for brand sites being directed to unofficial web pages.

"Cyber-squatting remains a serious issue for trademark holders," said WIPO director general Francis Gurry.

"Supported especially by registrar and registry stakeholders, the sale and broad expansion of new top level domains in the open market, if not properly managed, will provide abundant opportunities for cyber-squatters to seize old ground in new domains."

Over the last ten years, the organisation has received 14,000 complaints. In 2008, 86 per cent of complaints related to English-language domains, and cases stemmed from a broad range of sectors, including aviation and fashion.

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