Squatters are trying to beat huge brands to these new domain names

Squatters are targeting some of the biggest worldwide brands ahead of the release of swathes of new web addresses this year.

 

Domain names like www.amazon.web and www.gucci.shop are being targeted by squatters looking to cash in on confusion surrounding the new addresses due to be released later this year.

 

Over 98 per cent of Interbrand’s list of top global brands – including those of Coca-Cola, Amazon and Gucci – have had new domain names pre-reserved by squatters, over 9,000 web addresses, according to ICANN’s Trademark Clearinghouse, the rights protection organisation for new domain names.

 

“Other parties keen to capitalise on the traffic and illegitimate opportunities a branded website will generate. This potentially compromises the reputation of each brand targeted,” said Trademark Clearinghouse consultant Jonathan Robinson.