Engine firm faces action on web name
Page 7
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• A Leeds-based engine builder who registered the domain name scaniaengineparts.com on the Internet is being threatened with legal action for "cybersquatting".
Jonathan Shera, who now runs his own business selling parts and rebuilding engines, registered about 50 domain names while he was working for his former employer.
Last week he received a letter from someone claiming to have power of attorney for the Swedish truck manufacturer Scania and warning Shera that the use of one of his Scania sites was illegal.
"The letter demands that I hand over the domain name but I haven't been offered any money for this," he says. "I would rather change the site's name than be bullied into handing it over for nothing."
Shera says he is confused by the letter, which is on notepaper headed 'Domain Network, Stockholm". 'I've been given seven days to respond and yet there is no phone number on the letter," he adds.
Scania spokesman Magnus Hahn confirms that the company employs outside contractors to search the web for sites that infringe the company's name, "We carry out checks because we like to retain our brand name for our own use," he says.
The company has promised to investigate the matter.
• Several car manufacturers have already taken legal action against suppliers and enthusiasts who have used their trademarks on privately run web sites, although the open nature of the Internet makes it hard to control.