I recently got an email from a Domain registration company which provides international TLD registrations. Following is the copy of the email.
"
We are a domain name registration service company in China. Yesterday we received a formal application submited by Mr. Steven Lee who wanted to use the keyword "freetutes" to register the Internet Brand and with suffix such as .cn/.com.cn/.net.cn/.hk/.asia/ domain names. After our initial examination, we found that these domain names to be applied for registration are same as your domain name and trademark. We don’t know whether you have any relation with Mr.Steven Lee. Because these domain names would produce possible dispute, now we have hold down the registration of Mr.Steven Lee, but if we do not get your company’s any reply in the next 5 working days, we will approve this application soon. In order to handle this issue better, Please contact us by fax or email as soon as possible."
I replied them claiming I own the internet brand "freetutes" and cannot let anybody else to register it. Then I got a reply for my response. Following is the copy of the email.
"
Thanks for your prompt reply.As far as we know, Mr.steven Lee want to apply for the following names:
freetutes.cn
freetutes.com.cn
freetutes.asia
freetutes.net.cn
freetutes.org.cn
And Internet Brand "freetutes ".
You would know domain name takes open registration, this is international domain name registration principle. So Mr.Steven Lee has right to register it.
If you think his registration will confuse your clients and harm your profits, we can send an application document to you and help you protect these domains within our approving period. This is a better way to prevent domain name dispute. If you think his application will not affect your company, you can give up, we will finish his registration. Hope get your decision as soon as possible so that we can handle the next step."
What am I supposed to do in this situation? I thought according to
http://www.uspto.gov/go/tac/doc/basic/register.htm registration of my mark is not required and I will have no problems with the trade mark "freetutes".
Please share your ideas and advice me what action to take.