Domain Name Disputes and Cybersquatting

 

            According to the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act Cybersquatting is registering, trafficking in, or using a domain name with bad faith intent to profit from the goodwill of a trademark belonging to someone else.  The person registering, trafficking, or using the domain name in bad faith is called a cybersquatter.  Typically, the cybersquatter then offers to sell the domain to the person or company who owns a trademark.

            In a recent case, the jewelry company Swarovski filed a complaint against a Mr. Derk Hond.  The case is, LLSwarovskiAktiengesellschaft v. Derk Hond Case No. D2013-0005.  The respondent, sometimes called a defendant, registered the domain name cheap-swarovski.net.

FACTS

            The Complaint was filed with the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center (the “Center”) on January 3, 2013.  Swarovski uses the SWAROVSKI trademarks in connection with crystal jewelry stones and crystalline semi-finished goods for the fashion, jewelry, home accessories, collectibles, and lighting industries

LAW

In order to succeed in its claim, the Complainant must demonstrate that all of the elements enumerated in paragraph 4(a) of the Policy have been satisfied:

(i) The disputed domain name is identical or confusingly similar to a trademark or service mark in which the Complainant has rights; and

(ii) The Respondent has no rights or legitimate interests with respect to the disputed domain name; and

                        (iii) The disputed domain name has been registered and is being used in bad faith.

CONCLUSION

            The Panel orders that the disputed domain name be transferred to the Complainant.

Visit www.sayfiepatents.com