Cyber squatting rules when multiple businesses share the same name

Discussion in 'Domain Names' started by Matthew Sayle, Jun 17, 2015.

  1. #1
    I am hoping someone can provide some clarification on the cyber squatting law.

    I have searched on Google for about 90 minutes but can't really find a clear answer for my specific situation.

    Here it is:

    I registered the domain 'TheOfficeBarandLounge.com'.

    There are hundreds of bars called:
    The Office Bar
    The Office Bar and Grille
    The Office Bar and Lounge
    etc.

    If I try and sell the domain to one of those businesses, can they really go after me for cyber squatting?

    I mean, they would have to prove that out of the 100+/- 'The Office Bars', they are the rightful owners of the trademark, right?

    Or, are they all rightful owners of the trademark?

    I am sure they all have the right to use the name, but what would give them the right to the domain name over anyone else?

    Also, what if I were to say I was planning on starting a bar with the same name but changed my mind?

    I mean, could they actually prove otherwise?
     
    Matthew Sayle, Jun 17, 2015 IP