What Is the Difference Between a Domain Name and a Brand?

To tell a domain name and a brand apart, you first need to know the exact definition of a domain name and the concept of a brand.

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What Is a Domain Name?

A domain name has commercial value. It is defined by what is known as a "website address", which works as a link to an IP address.
Each part of a domain name carries a specific meaning and gives access to the relevant site through a web browser.

How domain names are obtained depends on the following rule: "first come, first served". As a result, it is not unusual to find our domain names already taken. There is even a practice called "cybersquatting", which consists of registering domain names that match brand names, and some people adopt it.

In fact, the laws on the use of the domain name associated with a site are still very vague on this subject. Some small businesses may not be able to rely on case law where there is no cybersquatting, although the laws have evolved.

What Is a Brand?

A brand is a product, service or concept that is publicly distinguished from other products, services or concepts, so that it can be easily communicated and generally marketed. A brand name is the name of the distinctive product, service or concept. Branding is the process of creating and spreading the brand name. Brand strategy can apply to the whole corporate identity as well as to individual product and service names.

Brands are generally protected from use by third parties by obtaining a trademark or service mark from an authorised body, usually a government one. Before applying for a trademark or service mark, you must make sure that nobody else has already obtained one using the same name as yours. Although you can do the research yourself, it is common to use a law firm that specialises in trademark searches and in managing the application process.

The Difference Between a Domain Name and a Brand

Choosing a name for your business, and therefore a domain name for your website can be difficult in itself. However, once you have chosen a name, there is still one very important thing to do. To make sure the name you have chosen does not infringe someone else's existing brand, you or your representative must carry out a thorough search of existing trademarks to make sure that nobody has claimed your name or a similar name that could cause confusion.
If you have unknowingly infringed someone else's brand, not consulting a lawyer can cost you dearly, both legally and financially. Contact a lawyer who specialises in trademark law in your country.

Finally, everything you need to do before registering the .ma domain name or another extension(.com, .net, .org, etc.) is to do plenty of research so that it does not match an already registered trademark. If you own the trademark, and in order to avoid cybersquatting, it is strongly recommended that you register the extensions.

How Do You Check the Availability of a .ma Domain Name?

To check the availability of a .ma domain name, please visit the website of whois .ma: