Microsoft Take On Alleged Squatters

[GhostShip]

In the usual fanfare of publicity Billy and co are out on another mission to monopolise any and all site names that sound like their own.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6449363.stm

Microsoft is pursuing five alleged UK-based cybersquatters in its battle against firms and individuals who have registered variations or misspellings of its key brands, such as Xbox.
It is already pursuing hundreds of lawsuits in the US and is now keen to extend its reach in Europe.
It marks a toughening in the way the software giant deals with the issue of cybersquatting.
It is also calling for a tightening in the way domain names are registered.

Whilst there is some benefit to be had in removing some of the more dangerous spy ware laden sites that use name variants, the worrying trend of litigating against those who Microsoft deem are stepping on their toes is tantamount to a claim of ownership that in reality does not exist.

[Scyre]

I agree 100%.

I hate to see the spyware filled sites that lie in wait for anyone not giving perfect spelling, but you are very right in stating that M$ cannot be claiming ownership of something that they do not own.

I can understand from a business sense that it would be practical to have every variation point to them, but they should have to purchase the domain names from the owners, not sue for them!

(I appologizre if I have not made much sense...I am writing this under the influence of a LOT of tequila )

Best Regards, and Be Good!
Scyre

[SamSeeSam]

Well, why must they purchase the domain names (although, yes, they can more than well afford to do so). They mislabel their products with full intention to fool users, who mistake them for original ones.

Atleast they are taking notice and preventing a people from falling prey.

Cheers