Today’s topic is domain names and trademarks, a very good and big topic. When encountering such a big topic, I always feel like I have something to say. Therefore, I would like to share with you some knowledge about trademarks and domain names, as well as the connections and differences between domain names and trademarks. A trademark is a sign that distinguishes goods or services. Both trademarks and domain names are identifiable and exclusive, and both have advertising functions. However, there are obvious differences between domain names and trademarks, which are mainly reflected in the following aspects: (1) They are applicable to different objects. Trademarks are used to identify goods or services and can only be used for goods or services; whereas domain names are used to identify goods or services. It is used to identify computer users. Computer users are not commodities. (2) The basis of the distinctiveness of the two trademarks. The distinctiveness of different trademarks comes from their distinctiveness. When the goods or services produced or operated by different legal entities are fundamentally different, two or more identical trademarks can be registered at the same time. The identification of a domain name is guaranteed by its uniqueness. No matter what type of business the legal entities are engaged in, or whether they are located in different countries or regions, they cannot register the same domain name. (3) The basis of exclusivity of the two is different. If a registered trademark is used on different types of goods or services, or is outside the geographical scope where trademark registration is applied for, or exceeds the validity period of registration, its exclusivity will be lost. As long as the maintenance fee is paid on time, the registered domain name can be excluded from all registered or to-be-registered domain names on a global scale indefinitely, with no geographical or timeliness. (4) The two principles of acquisition are different. The principles of trademark acquisition vary from country to country. Some countries adopt the first-to-register principle, some countries adopt the first-to-use principle, and some countries adopt a mixed principle. Domain names are registered on a first-come-first-served basis and cannot be used on the Internet without first being registered. (5) The classification principles and basis of the two are different. When the applicant applies for trademark registration, the trademark registration agency requires the applicant to clearly record the type of goods or services to be identified by the trademark applied for trademark registration in accordance with the corresponding classification standards. Except for restrictions on the selection of top-level domain names or second-level domain names due to the applicant's own legal attributes, domain name registration applicants do not need to declare the content of their business activities, nor do they need to clearly record the types of goods or services. (6) The two acquisition channels are different. Trademark registration is independently carried out by specialized agencies in various countries or regions in accordance with the laws of their own countries or regions. The review of trademark registration is limited to countries or regions, and there is the possibility that legal entities in different countries own the same trademark. Domain name registration is carried out independently by registration agencies in different countries. Only when no one has registered the relevant domain name can the domain name be registered. Therefore, each registered domain name is unique globally, and there is no situation where legal entities in different countries have separate claims for rights to the same domain name.