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CADNA was mentioned as one
of the supporters of the bill.
In addition to holding one
of the world's best-known trademarks, Microsoft also
happens to be one of the largest domain portfolio
owners. Mr. Kornblum has been a frequent speaker at
domain conferences, most recently appearing at the DOMAINfest
Global conference in Hollywood,
California a few weeks ago.
In addition to noting that
that Microsoft is not and never has been a member of
CADNA, Aaron commented on the new bill before Congress.
"Microsoft now is conducting a thorough review of
the bi-partisan legislation introduced last week, the Anti-Phishing
Consumer Protection Act of 2008," Kornblum
said. "Certainly, domain name “cybersquatters”
violate intellectual property law. But not all domainers
are |
Aaron
Kornblum
Microsoft Senior Attorney |
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cybersquatters. Some
domainers elect to become cybersquatters (or other
wrongdoers, such as phishers) by engaging in
registrations or other related misconduct that
violates the law. Intelligent people may disagree on
when this line has been crossed. However, cybersquatters
potentially are liable for their actions and damage
the very core of the domain name industry and its
legitimate, ethical activities."
Aaron added, "Leading
brands such as Microsoft now are taking action against
domain name cybersquatters, as well as cybercriminals
such as phishers, to help protect consumers from
potentially dangerous and confusing Internet domain
names, and to guard their intellectual property online.
Microsoft’s Domain Defense Program has focused
on exposing the true identity of cybersquatters,
preventing them from hiding behind private registration
protection services as well as to educate consumers and
everyone who does business online to the importance of
domain names and their brand online."
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"As I
highlighted at the DOMAINfest Global
Conference in January, Microsoft believes
that the 'trust and reputation' of the
domain name industry and its members is one
of the most important issues it now faces,
along with security plus safety and intellectual
property," |
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Kornblum
said. "Domain name registrants and
registrars, trademark owners, and online
advertising networks and associated companies
– all roles held by Microsoft – all possess
a variety of different legal rights and
responsibilities in the marketplace. A thorough
understanding of these issues is one of the most
important challenges for anyone participating in
this industry. Your publication’s accurate
reporting on these issues is critical to these
understandings." |
We, of course, do take that
responsibility very seriously and appreciate it when
readers bring any factual errors in our reports to our
attention so they can be corrected and the record kept
as accurate as humanly possible.
(Posted
March 1, 2008)
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