Latest news with #brandprotection
The Verge
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Verge
Apple Cinemas responds to Apple lawsuit
Apple Cinemas, a theater chain not affiliated with Apple, has responded to Apple's recent lawsuit over alleged trademark infringement, as reported by MacRumors. In its lawsuit, Apple alleged that Apple Cinemas and owner Sand Media have tried to 'capitalize on the highly-regarded Apple brand' in connection with an 'aggressive nationwide expansion.' 'We are committed to defending our brand, our history, and our continued right to operate as Apple Cinemas—an identity that is and has always been clearly distinct and fully compliant with all applicable trademark laws,' Apple Cinemas says. The company states that the name 'reflects our roots, beginning with our first planned location at the Apple Valley Mall in New England' and that it is now a 'top 25 movie theater chain' in the US. 'Apple Cinemas is a long-established independent theater chain with no connection to Apple Inc. Our name reflects our geographic roots and has never been intended to suggest, or used to imply, any affiliation with their brand. Furthermore, claims of consumer confusion are unfounded. Apple Cinema's branding is clearly differentiated.' While Apple alleged that Apple Cinemas and Sand Media have 'refused to engage with Apple's repeated efforts to resolve the matter amicably,' Apple Cinemas says that 'we have responded reasonably and transparently to all legal communications regarding this matter and remain focused on growing our business and brand in good faith, as we have for over a decade.' Apple Cinemas, which has most of its locations in the Northeast US, opened its first West Coast location in San Francisco earlier this year. Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Jay Peters Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Apple Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Entertainment Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All News Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Tech
Associated Press
7 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
ReputationArm Shares Strategic Insights on Turning Bad Reviews into Business Growth Opportunities
No matter how hard you try, a bad review will eventually slip through. It stings, especially when you've worked hard to deliver a great service. One negative comment can feel louder than dozens of positive ones. And that single review might shape how future customers see your entire business. Worse, you're left wondering what to do next. Should you reply? Stay silent? Will responding fix the damage or make it worse? The truth is, negative feedback doesn't have to be a threat to your reputation. It can be a turning point. In this article, Reputation Arm will walk you through why bad reviews aren't always bad for business, and how to respond in a way that builds trust, protects your brand, and turns criticism into opportunity. Why Bad Reviews Aren't Always Bad for Business Bad reviews often feel like a setback, but some of them can work in your favor. Customers today expect honesty and transparency. Perfect, spotless ratings can sometimes feel suspicious or even fake. A few genuine negative reviews show that your business is real and trustworthy. Many consumers say they trust businesses more when they see a mix of positive and negative feedback. Negative reviews give potential customers a fuller picture and help set realistic expectations. Beyond trust, bad reviews reveal areas where your business can improve. They highlight issues that might otherwise go unnoticed and offer a chance to fix problems before they escalate. Understanding this shifts how you view negative feedback. When you have a bad review strategy, you stop seeing them as damage, but as an opportunity. This sets the stage for the next question: should you respond to bad reviews? The answer is yes, and here's why. Should You Respond? (Yes – Here's Why and When) Ignoring bad reviews can do more harm than good. When you don't respond, potential customers may think you don't care or aren't paying attention. Responding shows you value feedback and are committed to improvement. Not every review needs a reply, but most do. Responding promptly helps control the narrative and shows professionalism. Here's when you should respond: There are times when you might not want to engage, such as: Timing also matters. The sooner you respond, the better. Quick replies show you're attentive and care about customer experience. The Art of the Perfect Reply: What to Say & How to Say It Your reply to a bad review isn't just for the person who wrote it; it's for everyone else reading it. People look at your response to see how you handle problems, not just praise. That's why your tone, timing, and message all matter. A good reply should be calm, respectful, and solution-focused. Never get defensive or argue back, even if the review feels unfair. Keep it short, honest, and professional. Here's a simple approach to guide your response: This kind of response shows that you care, not just about one customer, but about everyone who does business with you. Handled well, a bad review becomes an opportunity to build trust and show the human side of your brand. Turn Negative Feedback Into a Brand-Boosting Move Negative feedback doesn't have to stay negative. When handled with care, it can actually strengthen your brand. A thoughtful response shows accountability. It proves you're listening and willing to improve, which is something potential customers notice. In many cases, a bad review followed by a great reply leaves a better impression than a five-star review with no response at all. You can also use the feedback to make real changes. Maybe it highlights a gap in your service, a miscommunication, or a training need. Fixing those issues and showing that you've improved speaks volumes. Even better? Let your audience know. Share updates, changes, or improvements inspired by real customer input. It shows you take feedback seriously and act on it. That kind of transparency builds trust, and trust builds loyalty. Your Reputation Isn't Built on Praise – It's Built on How You Handle Criticism Every business will face criticism at some point. What matters most is how you respond. A single bad review isn't what defines your reputation. It's the way you handle it that leaves a lasting impression. Responding with professionalism, empathy, and a clear plan shows strength and dedication. Here's what to keep in mind: These small actions build trust with both the reviewer and future customers. Over time, that trust becomes the foundation of a strong, lasting reputation. Criticism is part of the journey. The way you manage it can set you apart. Media Contact Company Name: Reputation Arm Contact Person: Claudia Tomina Email: Send Email Address:555 Friendly St. City: Pontiac State: MI 48341 Country: United States Website: Press Release Distributed by To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: ReputationArm Shares Strategic Insights on Turning Bad Reviews into Business Growth Opportunities
Forbes
04-08-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Beyond Domain Registration: A Smarter Way To Protect Your Brand Online
Phil Lodico is Head of GoDaddy Corporate Domains, an innovative corporate domain name registrar. Keeping your brand safe online isn't as simple as registering a domain and calling it a day. As the internet grows more complex and as bad actors get more creative, companies are rethinking how they defend their digital presence. While I have previously written about the need for a domain name portfolio to combat how bad actors exploit vulnerabilities, here, I'd like to present a more proactive system. I see domain blocking emerging as a smarter, more efficient way to stay protected—an alternative to chasing down every possible variation of your brand name. What Is Domain Blocking? Domain blocking is a proactive measure that prevents others from registering domain names that match or closely resemble your brand names and trademarks. This approach helps mitigate the risks of cybersquatting (registering similar domain names), typosquatting (registering common misspellings) and phishing attacks—all of which can damage brand reputation and erode customer trust. With phishing attacks reaching record levels (nearly 1.9 million incidents worldwide in 2023) and domain name disputes increasing by 3.1% in 2024, it's clear that brand owners need to take full advantage of every available defense. The Evolution Of Domain Blocking Over the past 15 years, domain blocking has evolved from limited, top-level domain-specific services to more comprehensive solutions. Modern offerings reflect an increasing need for proactive protection in a rapidly expanding domain landscape. As a result, domain blocking now encompasses a range of tailored solutions, from AdultBlock, which specializes in maintaining brand integrity across adult-oriented domains, to DPML, which focuses on extensions provided by Identity Digital. I think one of the most significant developments is GlobalBlock, which is promoted as providing comprehensive coverage across over 670 extensions. Such comprehensive coverage is particularly important in the era of new generic top-level domains, which, as of 2023, account for "42% of all domains reported for phishing." These newer extensions are often inexpensive to register and less familiar to the public, making them prime targets for abuse. Today's most expansive domain-blocking tools can help safeguard brands across the very domain spaces most likely to be exploited, including the newer, lower-cost extensions that bad actors frequently target. The Cost Case For Domain Blocking Domain blocking can deliver both protection and predictability when compared to traditional defensive measures. Consider these comparisons: • Defensive Registrations: Registering a single domain name across 100 top-level domains can cost tens of thousands of dollars annually. • UDRP Cases: While filing a uniform domain-name dispute-resolution policy (UDRP) may seem like a one-time fix, cases can cost up to $5,000 and don't guarantee a favorable outcome. Domain blocking offers a fixed-cost alternative or complement to these methods, helping simplify budget management for organizations with large domain portfolios. Streamlining Protection At Scale When evaluating domain blocking solutions, it's important to look for features that go beyond simple, static protection. One especially valuable capability is automated monitoring and blocking of newly available domains. This allows the system to automatically identify and block domain names that match your trademarks as they expire or become available. I think it is important to make sure you protect yourself from accidental lapses and having any domain name slip through the cracks. Additionally, including proactive recovery means that domains previously owned by third parties and now set to expire can be automatically added to your block list, helping you reclaim high-value names that may have once been out of reach. It's also worth seeking out a blocking solution that allows flexibility—such as the ability to unblock and register specific domains your business may need in the future. Together, these features help brand owners safeguard their domain portfolios more efficiently, while reducing administrative burden and risk. Beyond Blocking: Holistic Domain Strategies Domain blocking is only one component of a robust domain management strategy. It works best when paired with proactive registrations to complement domain blocking, brand monitoring and a well-defined enforcement plan. Here are some best practices for building a comprehensive approach: • Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with experienced domain management partners who can guide portfolio optimization. These experts can help evaluate your current list, identify risks and develop targeted strategies, including when to use blocking, registration or both. • Technology-Enabled Oversight: Use domain management tech that offers centralized tracking, renewal alerts, monitoring tools and reporting dashboards. These capabilities streamline the operational aspects of domain management. • Enforcement And Recovery Frameworks: Establish clear policies for identifying and responding to infringements. Domain watch platforms and prioritization rubrics can help triage the often overwhelming volume of abuse. When all these pieces work together, brands can build a multilayered defense that protects their digital assets while supporting growth. Block And Assess: Simplifying Brand Defense The ability to "block and assess" is a wise investment for brand owners and domain managers. Solutions like domain-blocking systems offer peace of mind and free up internal resources to focus on strategic priorities. They can not only enhance brand protection but also allow organizations to evaluate risk exposure and invest where it matters most. In the end, your domain blocking should ultimately support what matters most: growing and protecting your business. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Forbes
29-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How AI Is Fueling A New Wave Of Brand Impersonation
Daniel Shapiro is SVP of Brand Relationships & Strategic Partnerships at Red Points, leading global IP & e-commerce alliances. Depending on the list you find, there are anywhere from 2,000 to over 10,000 distinct AI tools on the market today. You might already be using some to improve your customer experience. But not everyone using AI tools has your customers' best interests in mind. Scammers have adopted their own AI tools that can copy branded websites and create hidden webshops at lightning speed. While AI boosts productivity for brands, it does the same for bad actors, ultimately allowing them to launch wider and more sophisticated attacks in less time than before. I've worked with brands facing these threats firsthand. In this piece, I'll break down how these tactics work, what they mean for customer trust and what steps brands can take to stay ahead. A New Generation Of Fake Websites Spam sites from the '90s or early 2000s were often obvious: crammed with ads, poorly coded HTML and deals that were too good to be true. Not anymore. Today, your customers can click on a believable social media ad to find a site that looks identical to yours, complete with correct product photos and user reviews. What's worse, many of these sites are only accessible by clicking on the ad. You could visit the domain on your own and not see any infringing content. Scammers can also deploy phishing sites to users on mobile devices, not desktops. A similar tactic is to restrict infringing sites to specific geographical regions. In this case, your customers on the other side of the globe could end up on spam sites that you can't access. Modern scam and counterfeit sales sites blend in with the real thing. It's easy for customers to be deceived when scammers present professional sites and evade enforcement with the tactics above. AI Is Powering Fraud-As-A-Service Prior to the vast AI tools, scammers at least had to put in some real effort to copy a site or steal credentials. Now they don't. AI tools like FraudGPT and phishing kits like Tycoon 2FA allow fraudsters to impersonate brands and executives at scale. Today, many businesses have subscriptions to tools like Shopify or Salesforce. In this new era of AI tools, there are now "fraud-as-a-service" tools for scammers, requiring no computer science degree. All it takes is a little cash (or cryptocurrency) and a sufficient computer to use tools like WormGPT, FraudGPT, DarkBERT or DarkBARD and start copying sites straight away. These generative AI tools have lowered the barrier to entry for cybercrime. Anyone with a laptop can log on and create content to impersonate a business in minutes. Scammers can launch hundreds of fake sites at once to overwhelm a brand and impersonate many more brands than previously possible. When it comes to a phishing kit like Tycoon, a user enters their information and 2FA code on a fake page. Then, Tycoon relays the login info and steals the user's browser session cookie. With this, the attacker can access the user's account multiple times and pass authentication. If the scammer accesses a Gmail or Microsoft 365 Outlook account, they can break into even more accounts that use the victim's email for 2FA. Ultimately, AI has ushered in a new age for cybercriminals. Phishing and counterfeit sites are growing in number and complexity while requiring fewer resources to create. This also means scammers can diversify their attacks. Since launching scams has a very low cost and is easier than ever, bad actors can go after all types of brands, large and small. What This Means For Brand Safety And Customer Trust We know that if a company has a CISO, they are likely focused on AI-driven scams. But this issue extends beyond cybersecurity. When customers fall for phishing scams or buy fake goods, many blame the brand itself. Even if they don't complain directly, they often just stop trusting. And when problems escalate, the marketing team must shift from growth strategies to damage control. Customer service teams spend time engaging with customers or individuals who purchased fake products unknowingly or spent money on a website and never received the item. What Brands Can Do To Stay Ahead Some early warning signs of brand abuse include: increased customer complaints via calls, social media, fake ads and phishing domains. The first step is aligning internal teams to ensure fast, coordinated responses. For companies handling a small number of incidents, some steps can be done in-house: • Manually report fake domains or ads using registrar or platform tools. • Secure obvious domain variations (like common misspellings or country-specific extensions). • Train frontline teams to flag anything suspicious shared by customers. But once fake sites start, proactive measures, including more advanced support and delivering a technological approach to move quickly, are paramount. Ultimately, safeguarding the brand in the AI era means staying vigilant, investing in the right technology and fostering a culture of rapid response. By taking decisive steps now, you can protect customer trust, minimize brand confusion and stay ahead of threats before they spiral out of control. Forbes Business Development Council is an invitation-only community for sales and biz dev executives. Do I qualify?
Forbes
29-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Behind The Scenes: How The World's Most Expensive Domains Are Bought
Michael Gargiulo, CEO of We help Fortune 1000, entrepreneurs and companies protect their brand. When people hear that a domain name sold for eight figures, their first reaction is usually disbelief. Unless you live and breathe digital real estate, it's hard to imagine a word or two typed into a browser is worth more than a Manhattan penthouse. But here's what you need to know: Behind every seven-or eight-figure domain sale is a quiet network of conversations, negotiations and relationships. As the CEO of a company that offers domain brokerage services, and having been part of both big-figure domain deals myself, this is something I am all too familiar with. Before you jump into a deal, it's important to make sure you understand every step of the process. In most cases, these aren't public auctions. The biggest deals happen behind the scenes, and the process is nothing like what most imagine. What Makes A Domain Worth Millions? Not all domain names are equal. Those that sell for multimillion-dollar prices tend to be short, widely relevant and ready for branding. Think about names like or In the industry, we call these category killers: single-word names that define an industry and provide instant trust, SEO benefits and market authority. They represent the definitive reason any company would spend $1 million (or more) on a domain. Length also counts. One-word .com domains are dominant, and two-word combinations that highlight an industry trend or product perform well. The extension is vital. Although more top-level domains are available, .com still leads in premium domain sales. It's not just about perception; business reasoning matters. Consumers remember .com, and companies trust it. The Role Of A Domain Broker When brokering high-value domains, discretion is just as crucial as the domain itself. Most of our clients, buyers and sellers, prefer keeping their names separate from the transaction. This is because these domains often hint at future strategy. If a company is about to launch a major product, it doesn't want to alert competitors by disclosing a domain purchase beforehand. This is where domain broker services come into play. Brokers serve as filters, strategists and closers. They vet buyers to ensure they are serious and have the funds. They present sellers' assets in the best light, often enhancing how the name is displayed or priced based on market timing. They also oversee every step of the communication process, keeping all parties aligned and maintaining anonymity when necessary. Inside The Negotiation Room Negotiations for agreements start well before discussing pricing. These agreements often begin with subtle signals, such as a conversation at an event or a careful message to test interest. In these instances, I will introduce non-disclosure agreements until both parties recognize mutual interest and adjust our processes accordingly. This isn't about just handling paperwork. It's about understanding psychology. In premium domain sales, decisions are often driven by emotions. Some sellers have held onto a domain for 20 years. Some buyers see it as the missing piece of a billion-dollar plan. Brokers guide that emotion using facts, market data, and strategy. Creative deal structures are common. I've seen offers involving cash plus equity, multi-year payment plans and licensing arrangements. It's rarely just a wire transfer and a goodbye handshake. Why You Don't Hear About Most Sales The public only sees a small part of what happens in this space. Most high-value domains are sold quietly without any fanfare or press releases. Why? Because both parties usually have something to protect. Maybe the seller doesn't want it known that they've cashed out. Perhaps the buyer plans a stealth launch. Many of these deals go through proxies or anonymous LLCs, which helps keep the deal clear and intentions private. That's not secrecy just for its own sake; it's an innovative business. The simplest term for it is stealth domain name acquisition. How Do You Price A Domain Like That? Valuing a domain name isn't like pricing a house. There's no MLS for premium digital assets. While historical comps help, each domain is unique. When assessing value, we look at keyword search volume, advertising competition, consumer behavior, brand potential and current market trends. Furthermore, value always depends on the buyer's perspective. If a startup believes a name aligns perfectly with its brand vision, it might go far beyond typical valuation logic. I've seen companies double their offer overnight once they realize the domain could secure investor meetings, media coverage or a better SEO ranking. Wrapping Up The Deal Once the terms are finalized, buyers, sellers and brokers often want to proceed quickly to complete the transaction. Escrow services are standard. I suggest using professionals to handle funds and domain transfers securely. The final steps often include DNS updates, registrar coordination and legal reviews, especially if intellectual property rights are involved. Speed and accuracy matter at this stage. One delay can scare off a buyer or cause second-guessing. I stay involved until the domain is fully transferred and both parties are satisfied. Why These Deals Are Only Getting Bigger With the rise of online business activity, the importance of identity and domain names has also grown. They are more than just URLs; they form the foundation of multi-billion-dollar companies. Premium domains demonstrate that a company is influential, trustworthy and ready to succeed. Every big deal I see reinforces my belief that this market is rapidly advancing in strategy, competitiveness and innovation. As for record-breaking sales? Those are happening; the public just hasn't heard the news yet. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
