A domain name is an internet address.

A domain name allows people to identify and to find your internet site.

Strictly speaking a domain name is not an IP, in the sense that there is no law that confers on a domain name the status of being “property” capable of being owned.

Nevertheless, domain names are very important, and have such an intimate connection with branding strategies generally and trademarks in particular, that it is common to consider domain names in the context of intellectual property rights.

As part of its branding strategy, a business will often seek to have domain names that are identical to or abbreviations of :

• its trade mark
• its company name, or
• its business name.

This will make it easier for the business’ customers to remember as well as find the business’ web site.

Just as it is not unusual for a business to have a number of trademarks, for different products for example, it is not unusual for the business to have a number of domain names, corresponding to its trademarks, company name, and business names as one of its brand marketing or protection strategies.