Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why won't you just answer my legal question via email?

    Internet Policy Consultants ethically cannot answer specific legal questions for you unless you have a lawyer/client relationship with us. This is for your protection as well as for ours.

  • Why do you make me pay you a retainer before you'll answer my questions?

    Retainers cement the attorney/client relationship. All retainers are refunded if we can't help you, your question is outside our scope of knowledge, or a portion is refunded if we finish in less time than we originally estimated. Retainers are kept in a special trust account that is billed against only as the work is completed.

  • I have a domain name that I registered to sell back to a trademark holder. Can I get into any trouble for that?

    In general, the new "Anti Cybersquatting Act" makes this practice dangerous, and may make you liable for up to 100,000 in statuory fines, or perhaps even more if they can prove actual damages. If your domain name is registered SOLELY to sell to a trademark holder or business, it really takes a serious look by a qualified attorney.

  • I've been using my domain name peacefully for years, and all of a sudden, I got a "cease and desist" letter from a large corporation. They have a lot more money than I do. Is there anything I can do?

    Yes. You need to find an attorney in your area who truly understands domain name issues. If your local attorney does not, Internet Policy Consultants can consult with him or her. In many cases, once the large corporation realizes you have an attorney, they are less likely to believe they can reverse hijack your domain name without a fight. Internet Policy Consultants can often act as your attorney, but cannot go to court on your behalf in any state except Virginia.

    IPC can also help you through the process if your domain name is challenged under ICANN's Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy.

  • Can you do my trademark applications?

    Yes, IPC can do your trademark applications. Our retainer fee for trademark applications is 3.5 hours at $275.00 per hour. We will prepare the application, review your specimens, and send it back to you for your signature. You then send it to the US Patent and Trademark Office with their fee of $325.00.

  • Can you trademark my domain name?

    It is difficult to trademark a domain name solely as a domain name. However, if the domain name is used to identify a product or a service your company offers, it may be possible. We'll need to talk about each case separately.

  • How much experience have you had in domain name cases?

    Mikki Barry has been involved with the Internet since 1982, and has been involved with Internet domain name issues since 1995. In 1998, Mikki became president of the Domain Name Rights Coalition, an organization dedicated to preserving small business and individuals' rights to register and use domain names.

    Mikki has been involved with international debates involving dispute policies and their creation, is a WIPO intellectual property mediator, has testified before Congress concerning domain name issues, and is an outspoken critic of the Anti Cybersquatting Act and the ICANN Uniform Dispute Policy. Please view her resume if you are interested in more details.

    If you have legal questions or concerns, don't hesitate to email Sharon Henderson legal assistant, directly (remove the "nospam" before mailing). She can get you a retainer agreement and engagement letter quickly.


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    Internet Policy Consultants
    950 Herndon Parkway
    Suite 240
    Herndon, VA 20170
    Phone:703.925.0282
    Fax:703.925.0846
     info@netpolicy.com