Cybersquatting numbers continue to rise: WIPO reports

19 03 2019

The latest World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) statistics reveal that the number of domain name disputes have continued to climb to record heights, with 3,447 cases filed in 2018.

WIPO’s 2018 cases involved 5,655 domain names, with disputes involving new generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs) accounting for 13% of that total. The cases were decided by 318 panelists from 54 countries and administered in 19 different languages.

Top Industries for Complaints Filed

The top three industries by number of complaints filed were Banking and Finance; Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals; and Internet and IT. Together these sectors accounted for more than one-third of all cybersquatting disputes handled in 2018. 

Top Countries by Filing

The top countries by number of cases filed in 2018 were the USA, France, the UK, Germany and Switzerland. In total, parties from 109 countries were involved in cases filed in 2018.

With the growing number cybersquatting disputes, brand owners must be proactive in preventing the unauthorised and/or fraudulent use of their brands. Cooper Mills offers expert domain name dispute services. Feel free to contact us today.

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