MIP is to host its first free web seminar next week. The seminar, which anyone can register for, will analyze the latest cybersquatting and domain speculation trends.

The online seminar will last about one hour, and takes place at 4.30pm GMT (8.30am PST, 11.30am EST) on Wednesday February 22.

MIP editor James Nurton will host the seminar, which will feature Lawrence Nodine of Needle & Rosenberg as well as Elisa Cooper, director of brand and domain strategy at MarkMonitor.

The panellists will discuss the latest trends in cybersquatting, including access to Whois information, and will present strategies to protect your IP online and take action against infringers.

The seminar will also include a 15-minute question-and-answer session, during which all registered participants can ask questions.

Some domain speculators have become increasingly sophisticated in concealing their identity, making it hard for rights owners to establish who is behind an infringing domain registration. The seminar will provide advice on tackling this problem.

Finding Whois information has also been complicated by some registrars' claims that privacy laws prevent them from disclosing information about registrants. Last month, ICANN published a report on conflicts between registrars' obligations to ICANN and privacy requirements under national laws.

Registration for the web seminar is free. To register, fill in the registration form and you will be provided with access information.