The Internet is a network of computers. Each computer on the said network has its own distinct entity and presence. That  is the  reason why  every computer is given a distinct Electronic Address  called  the  Internet  Protocol  address  or is in  short  IP  address.  This   IP   address  is   given   by  numerical   values  like   202.54.15.75.  The IP address is just like any telephone number which identifies a  particular  computer  on  the  Internet.   Since  it is not possible to remember each and every numerical value of an IP address, the system of domain names evolved.  Internet domain names, in a common man's language, are used as an easy -to-remember alias which point  to a  specific  IP   address.  The dominant  purpose  of   the  domain  name  is   simply  to  provide  an   easy   method  for remembering another's electronic address. It's a unique name  used to  identify, among other things, a specific Website.  Thus a typical domain name would be http://www.hindustantimes.com.

 Any domain name consists of  two components, namely the top  level  domain name (TLD) and a second level domain name. Thus in the said example, .com would be the top level domain name while  hindustantimes  would be second level domain name. As on date, there are two categories of top level  domain names. In the first category comes the domain names  .com,  .net,  .org,  .edu. When the system of registering domain names   began,  the  norms were that  the .com name is  to be given to commercial organizations, while others such as  .org,  .net,  .gov  and  .edu    are   to   be   assigned  to   non - commercial organizations,  network providers,    government  agencies  and   educational institutions respectively. However, as time has passed, due  to  the  enhanced volumes of domain name registrations, the said norms have been abandoned and today anyone can,  without  any  restriction of any kind  whatsoever,  can register any domain name.  These domain names were initially registered by the Network Solutions, who had the sole monopoly to register  the  said TLDs. This monopoly of Network Solutions continued for many years and only in 1999, the Internet Corporation Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) allowed other accredited registrars to register domain names. Today there are more than 100 registrars with whom one can register a TLD.

The second category of top level domain names   is  the  country  code   TLDs denoted by a two letter country code . For instance, the top level domain name for India is .in.  The  responsibility  for   assigning  the   same  is given in each country to a specified country domain name registrar.  In  India, the TLD.in  is registered by NCST at Bombay.

The unique feature of domain names is that the said domain names  are  given on  "first come, first served" basis.  This feature  of domain names gives  rise  to numerous legal issues and disputes. Thus the important thing in domain names registration is speed. To take an example, the domain name www.microsoft.org was  available  and was registered  by  Amit  Mehrotra  much  before Microsoft Corporation     could think of     it.  This  led to  numerous  ticklish  legal  issues. Microsoft Corporation,     despite having the trademark Microsoft, could not get the domain name     www.microsoft.org because of the "first come, first served" criteria of domain names registration.

Domain names are different from trademarks. While it is possible that the same trademark may be registered  by  different persons in different  categories  and different lines of businesses, it  may be  possible  to  only register  one domain name corresponding to such trademark.

Another legal issue surrounding   domain   names  is   that   of  Cybersquatting. Cybersquatting   is   the   practice   by means of which a person  or legal entity books up the trade mark, business name or service mark of another as his own domain name for   the  purpose  of  holding  on   to it and thereafter selling the same domain  name to the other person for valuable premium and consideration . Cybersquatters book up domain names   of important   brands  in the  hope of earning quick millions . The  Internet  history  has   shown   that while    some corporate players  have been willing  to and have indeed coughed up money to get back their legitmate domain names, the recent trend is   more   towards   taking the cybersquatters by the horns and fighting them out by legal processes.   Courts throughout the world, including in India,  have been proactive and have been granting injunctions to stop cybersquatters from operating their websites.

However, the latest breath of fresh air has been  the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy which has been duly approved by  ICANN. Under the said Domain Names Dispute Resolution Policy, a summary procedure is adopted to adjudicate the complaint of any complainant relating to any domain name on payment of  processing fees.  This policy has been in operation since the end of last year. Under the said policy, Indian companies  are also  beginning to  get back their legitimate domain names. The domain name www.theeconomictimes.com and www.timesofindia.com have been won back under the said policy.  Two recent success for Indian Companies under the  said policy include winning back the domain names www.tata.org and www.philipsindia.com by TATA and Philips India respectively.