Two companies that offer software for users to remotely access
their computers are doing battle over domain names. WebEx announced
today that it has sued rival Citrix Systems, alleging the illegal
purchase of domain names containing WebEx trade marks.
The suit alleges trade mark infringement, cybersquatting and
unfair competition. WebEx wants an injunction and damages.
According to WebEx, the domain name purchases – which include
webexpc.com, mypcwebex.com and mywebexpcfree.com – were purchased
in late January, on the same day that WebEx launched its new
MyWebExPC service.
The service, which lets someone at work get files from their
home PC, competes with Citrix's GoToMyPC products. WebEx suspects
that Citrix is upset because WebEx offers for free what Citrix
offers for $19 a month, according to a spokesperson for the
company.
WebEx says that Citrix purchased the domains in an attempt to
illegally divert customers who were attempting to find WebEx's new
product web site.
The rival firm had earlier purchased other domain names
containing WebEx's "AccessAnywhere" trade mark – a name previously
contemplated as the title of the new WebEx services, according to
WebEx.
Citrix has made no comment as yet.
