Domain Name

There is no online business without a Web site, and a Web site requires a domain name or Internet address. Domain names are registered through a handful of authorized companies. If the name chosen is taken, another name must be chosen. Domain names are registered for a fee that is typically paid and renewed annually.

How do I select a domain name?

The best domain names are easy to remember, easy to spell and short. Most people are used to domain names ending in ".com," so try to get the name you want using the .com extension.

TIP: If the domain name you select is easily misspelled, purchase the misspelled domain name as well so you can link customers to your main Web site. For example, if your Web site is called coffeecups.com, you should also try to get coffeecup.com (without the plural).

How do I register a domain name?

You register with one of several companies authorized to register and manage domain names. For a list of registrars, go to ICANN.

Domain Name Disputes

Some Internet users have registered domain names using well-known products and people in the addresses. Individuals who do this for the purpose of selling the address back to the company or individual are known as "cybersquatters." In most cases, it is illegal under federal law to use a copyrighted name in a Web address and the cybersquatters must release the domain name. Since domain names are registered on a first come/first served basis, companies and individuals with well-known names have been forced to sue in the courts to have the domain name transferred to them.

However, the fair use exception allows persons to keep some addresses that include well-known companies and celebrities if there was no bad faith involved and the owner of the address is not profiting from the name. Therefore, Web sites such as "ilovemcdonalds.com," extolling the virtues of fast food are not illegal.