Domain names

Identify, monitor, and protect your domain name

Domain names allow a company, or its services or products, to be distinctive in the same way a trademark does. They too must be protected.

Lavoix manages the protection of your domain names through its subsidiary ORDIPAT, a registrar that specialises in applying digital solutions for IP.

Lavoix is able to handle your Internet-related disputes, in particular the fraudulent registration of domain names. On numerous occasions, we have successfully pursued claims before the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Centre, the AFNIC (SYRELI), and the Czech Arbitration Court (ADR procedure).

The administrative management of domain names includes:

Reservation instructions for the service provider, keeping them active
Monitoring domain names
Monitoring the domain name portfolio
Internal monitoring of deadlines (deadline reminders, administrative transfers in France and in all other registries)
Domain name dispute resolution
Amicable dispute resolution/arbitration proceedings
Domain name buyback (auction)

FAQ

What is a domain name?

A domain name is the Internet address of your website.

It consists of a name and an extension (e.g.: lavoix.eu).

The domain name represents a digital identity and allows Internet users to identify the website and access its web pages. It may be wise to reserve a domain name to communicate and strengthen the credibility of your online activity, optimize search engine visibility, and attract/retain clients.

What are the different types of domain extensions?

There are three types of extensions:

National extensions (ccTLD), linked to geographical territories: .fr (France), .eu (European Union), .ca (Canada), etc.
Generic extensions (gTLD): .com (commercial websites), .org (non-profit organizations), .net (Internet service providers)
Sponsored extensions (sTLD): .gov (U.S. government agencies), .mil (U.S. military)

What are the steps to reserve a domain name?

A domain name is unique. Before considering a reservation, you must check that the chosen domain name has not already been registered. The principle is “first come, first served”.
You must also verify that the chosen domain name does not infringe on prior rights of third parties, by conducting prior rights searches, if necessary.
Once the availability of the domain name is confirmed, you should contact a registrar to proceed with the reservation.

What protection does a domain name provide?

A domain name does not constitute an industrial property right.

Its use for an active website may, under certain conditions, serve as a basis for action against a trademark application filed in the same domain, or against a competitor using the same sign.

When the domain name corresponds to a distinctive sign that is also used as a trademark, it is strongly recommended to also register a trademark in order to hold an industrial property right that allows action for infringement in case of copying.

How long does domain name protection last?

A domain name is registered for a limited period, generally one year, and is renewable.
Renewal is carried out through a registrar. If it is not renewed, the domain name will be deleted and will fall into the public domain.

Lavoix supports you in all your domain names procedures.
For any questions, feel free to contact us.