From: Paul Hughes (paul@planetp.cc)
Date: Mon Aug 07 2000 - 20:17:53 MDT
Original Story at: http://bbspot.com/News/2000/8/net_domains.html
Geneva - U.N. arbitrators today decided in favor of Microsoft in
a ruling against companies "cybersquatting" on .net domain
names. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
ruling means that all internet addresses ending in .net will now be
transferred to Microsoft.
Microsoft announced its .NET strategy last
month and says it "will provide easier, more
personalized and more productive Internet
experiences by harnessing constellations of
smart devices and Web sites with advanced software through
Internet protocols and formats." As part of its .NET strategy
Microsoft also petitioned the WIPO for control of all .net domain
names.
"It's a great victory for Microsoft," said CEO Steve Ballmer,
"These companies are trying to capitalize on the .net strategy that
Microsoft created. They are using our marketing dollars for their
own gain. This is America and that sort of thing isn't supposed to
happen. We commend WIPO on the decision they made and feel
that this is in the best interest of the consumer."
The ruling will take effect immediately. Microsoft has announced
that from now on all .net addresses will be redirected to
microsoft.net. All email addresses ending in .net will cease to
exist, and Microsoft is recommending those users use its Hotmail
internet email service.
US arbitrator Simon West said, "While some of these companies
like AT&T have legitimate claims, they fail to realize that
Microsoft's .net strategy is bringing the next generation of
windows services to the internet."
In a separate ruling Microsoft was also given rights to
bloatware.com, vaporware.com and monopoly.com. In addition
to the Microsoft rulings, Rush Limbaugh was given control of
bigfatidiot.com.
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