Brosnan wins UN case against cybersquatters

Pierce Brosnan has won control of the website address name www.piercebrosnan.com in a ruling by a United Nations panel.

Pierce Brosnan has won control of the website address name www.piercebrosnan.com in a ruling by a United Nations panel.

Arbitrators from the World Intellectual Property Organisation ordered the transfer of the domain name to the 007 actor, who complained it was being used illegally.

The ruling said the registered owner of the name - Alberta Hot Rods of Canada - had no rights or interests in the name and was using it in bad faith.

Anyone can register a domain name for a few pounds, which has led so-called "cybersquatters" to file for famous names to make money from those who want them.

READ MORE

Brosnan's lawyers said Alberta Hot Rods is linked to Mr Jeff Burgar, whom they described as a "notorious cybersquatter."

In its ruling, the UN panel said that Mr Burgar or linked companies have previously been ordered to hand over domain names to other celebrities.

Actors Kevin Spacey and Pamela Anderson, Jurassic Parkauthor Michael Crichton and singer Celine Dion all have won their domain names from Mr Burgar or companies linked to him.