Crichton wins right to internet domain

December 4th, 2002
By ananova.com

Author Michael Crichton has won control of the internet name www.michaelcrichton.com in a ruling by a UN panel.

The World Intellectual Property Organisation ordered the transfer of the domain name to Crichton after he complained to them it was being used illegally.

Crichton wrote "Jurassic Park" and created the television series "ER".

The ruling says the registered owner of the name - Alberta Hot Rods, of Alberta, Canada - had no rights or interests in the name.

Crichton's lawyers told the panel the domain linked to another website, which contained advertising but made no reference to Crichton or his work. The owner of the site did not file a defence.

The UN arbitration system, which started in 1999, allows those who think they have the right to a domain to get it back without having to fight a costly legal battle or paying large sums of money.

Since his 1971 novel, "The Andromeda Strain," was made into a movie, Michael Crichton has enjoyed a string of literary and Hollywood successes.

More than a dozen of his novels and original screenplays have been turned into feature films, including "Twister," "Disclosure" and "West World."