Here is an email I see at least once per quarter, usually forward from a client. The full email is below, but the story starts that a company in Asia is seeking to register a domain with the same name as theirs.
Dear Manager,
We are a Network Service Company which is the domain name registration center in Shanghai, China. On Dec 14, 2010, we received an application from Hanshin company requested “[their domain]” as their internet keyword and China (CN) domain names. But after checking it, we find this name conflict with your company name or trademark. In order to deal with this matter better, it’s necessary to send email to you and confirm whether this company is your distributor or business partner in China?
Andrew Cheng
Registration Department Manager
3002, Nanhai Building
854.Nandan Road
Xuhui District, Shanghai
Office: +86 216191 8696
Mobile: +86 182219 51605
Fax: +86 216191 8697
Email: andrew.cheng@yiguan-shanghai.com
Web: www.yiguannetwork.com
Here is my answer to the inevitable question; What is this and should I act on it?
It’s a sales ploy to give you a “reason” to buy [their domain].ch, [their domain].co.hk, etc, international domains that are versions of your dot-com ([their domain].com)
Unless you are interested in protecting your brand in china, you can let this “opportunity” pass you by!