location.location.location: Internet Addresses as Evolving Property

TL;DR

This paper discusses the evolving legal and economic frameworks for domain name registration, proposing that domain names function more like real estate than trademarks, which could justify stronger ownership rights.

Contribution

It introduces a novel perspective that domain names should be treated as property akin to real estate, advocating for stronger ownership rights based on recent developments.

Findings

Domain names are increasingly governed by property-like rules.

Treating domain names as real estate could enhance economic efficiency.

Stronger ownership rights may be justified for domain names.

Abstract

I describe recent developments in the rules governing registration and ownership of Internet and World Wide Web addresses or "domain names." I consider the idea that "virtual" properties like domain names are more similar to real estate than to trademarks. Therefore, it would be economically efficient to grant domain name owners stronger rights than those of trademarks and copyright holders.