Back to Trademark basics

Can you trademark a web domain?

Founder & Trademark Attorney

A web domain cannot be registered as a trademark in its own right, as domains typically don't serve as brand identifiers. They're used to locate websites and aren't inherently distinctive identifiers of goods or services, which trademark law protects.

However, if a domain name incorporates a distinctive brand name and is actively used in commerce in connection with specific goods or services, then it can be registered as a trademark, but only as a brand name. Even then, the generic top-level domain (.com, .co.uk, etc.) is excluded from protection and does not add distinctiveness.

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