IP: [WIRED] Clinton's opposition to HR 3028

[David Farber <farber () cis upenn edu>]

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> House Passes Domain Bill
> Wired News Report
>
> 2:45 p.m. 26.Oct.99.PDT A bill aimed at preventing "cybersquatters" from
> buying up domain names that bear a close relationship to recognizable
> trademarked names passed the House of Representatives Tuesday.
>
> The bill, HR 3028, is a bipartisan effort at cracking down on the practice
> of cybersquatting. It specifically bars the buying up of domain names for
> the purpose of reselling them to companies with similar names. A companion
> bill passed the Senate earlier in the year.
>
> The bill's sponsors, Representatives James Rogan (R-California) and Rick
> Boucher (D-Virginia) say it will boost consumer confidence in legitimate
> e-commerce companies.
>
> Nevertheless, the Clinton administration opposes the legislation, arguing
> that the best place to resolve domain-name disputes is in the courtroom.
> Administration officials also worry that foreign countries might pass
> similar legislation, leading to a legal muddle.