You can’t hold famous domains hostage for cash. That get-rich-quick scheme left the station in 1999 when Congress “yea’d” the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act into law.
Below are two summaries of recent cybersquatting cases. If you have questions for a domain dispute lawyer, head here.
Wiz Khalifa Won A Cybersquatting Lawsuit
Domain marketer Anthony Lynch recently found himself in a legal tangle with Cameron Thomaz – a.k.a., Wiz Khalifa. Lynch scooped up eight domain names featuring the rapper’s trademarks.
Since Khalifa’s claim was straightforward, only one UDRP panelist sat for the case, who ruled in favor of the musician. Why? Because Khalifa used and registered the trademarks before Lynch purchased the domain names. The panelist also pontificated that Lynch probably bought the URLS with the “express intention to target” Wiz Khalifa.
The final verdict: all eight domains need to be transferred back to Wiz Khalifa’s company, at no cost to him.
Case: Thomaz et al v. Lynch, No. D2015-0166
Amazon.com and Kellogg: High Profile Cybersquatting Cases
Amazon.com and Kellogg Inc. can both add cybersquatting lawsuit victor to their virtual trophy cases.
After a protracted dispute, the Internet’s largest online retailer won back amazonprom.com, amazonpromdresses.com and amazondresses.org. The panelists ultimately ruled in favor of Amazon because the defendant lacked a legitimate interest in domains that included Amazon’s trademark.
All you cereal enthusiasts out there, you’ll be happy to learn that Kellogg’s won back kelloggs.buzz – for the same reasons Amazon won.
“Bad Faith Intent to Profit”
Both parties won their cybersquatting claims because the defendant demonstrated a “bad faith intent to profit”. Plus, the names under review were “confusingly similar” to trademarked brands.
Cybersquatting is still a big legal issue. Though federal officials passed the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act, people still run typosquatting and cybersquatting schemes. But there are ways for trademark holders to regain control of their domains.
Speak To A Lawyer Who Has Dealt With Cybersquatting Cases
Kelly / Warner helps trademark holders regain control of domains. An Internet law firm with a cybersquatting law division, we know all the ins-and-outs to reclaim your domain promptly.
Contact us to take back your URL.
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