The lawsuit alleges that the two registrars are selling rights to Web URLs and email addresses that infringe on a patent that was granted to Javaher and Weyer on December 30, 2003. The patent covers third-level domains, in which the method of assigning URLs and email addresses makes the “@” sign the dot in the URL. For example, the URL www.john.smith.com becomes john@smith.com. The plaintiffs allege that Network Solutions and Register.com are infringing the patent by selling rights to URLs and email addresses under the .name domain.
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The database of .name domains is owned and operated by Global Name Registry (GNR). However, the company was not named in the lawsuit.
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“Network Solutions and Register.com are the retailers that sell the domain names,” Weyer told CNET. “GNR manages the registry, and they’re also potential infringers. Initially, we thought it would be easiest to proceed against Network Solutions and Register.com.”
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According to the report, the plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages and an injunction against future infringement.
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“Ultimately, we are not seeking to prevent Network Solutions and Register.com from selling URLs and email addresses,” Weyer said. “We are seeking to license the naming method, if they’re interested. And if they’re not, then the patent entitles us to an injunction.”
