You've been working hard to get your business up and running and think that you finally have got all your ducks in a row. It is time to become the biggest name in Travel Trivets, and all you have left to do is buy a domain name to set up your website. While you think your product idea is utterly unique, it really is considered a very wise use of time and funds to speak with an intellectual property attorney before registering a domain name for the new business enterprise.

These days, everybody who has something to sell, whether it's a product, a service or an idea, needs an Internet presence. Even long-established brick-and-mortar companies are found on the web (think Macy's or Ace Hardware), so it is clear that, for any new business, a website is a vital component. However, putting your site and domain name on course without utilizing the services of a trademark infringement lawyer is tantamount to working without a net. It's never too early to know that you may unintentionally be infringing on someone else's trademark or learn to protect yourself from being infringed upon.

It is always likely that a name dispute might be amicably resolved by either the transfer of the name from one party to the other or by simply canceling the name altogether. If, however, a non-hostile solution can't be found, either litigation or arbitration can be utilized, both of which require the expertise of a very experienced and knowledgeable intellectual property attorney.

Even though you bought the domain name first, you're likely to be open to an accusation of infringement if your name or chosen logo contains or is similar to that of another trademarked company. As an example, you may have purchased the name "Ace's Hardware" years ago, but since it's perilously close to the better-known national chain, it could always be challenged as infringement. If it is disputed, and you are forced to change domain names, research indicates that you will likely lose 30 to 50 percent of your visitors in the first 5 months after the change. Numbers this drastic could drain your enterprise entirely.

Of course you could spend countless man-hours and withstand endless mental strain studying domain names before committing to purchasing yours, but even then you certainly can't be sure some cyber-squatter won't come barging out from the cyber-woodwork to claim what is legally yours. When your business and peace of mind are of paramount importance to you, and of course, that would be true for most people, seriously consider turning the legal matters over to professionals, and get on with running your company, which is what you do best.
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By: Stephen Daniels

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For a professional intellectual property attorney in New York, Internet marketing strategist S. Daniels suggests you call on Baker and Rannells, PA. With more than 63 years of experience, their work both in the U.S. and around the world has helped guide their courteous, honest services for businesses of any size.