Jeweler files claim over six domain registrations.
Jewelry company Tacori Enterprises has sued Oversee.net in U.S. District Court for cybersquatting.
Tacori alleges (pdf) that Oversee.net is cybersquatting with at least six domain names:
Taccori.com
Tacorri.com
Tacoriiv.com
TacoriRings.com
Tacoti.com
Tracori.com
Tacori alleges that Oversee.net “is a serial cybersquatter who registers, uses, and traffics in domain names that are confusingly similar to famous or distinctive trademarks owned by others, including Tacori trademarks.” It also alleges that Oversee.net intentionally failed to maintain accurate whois records for the domains.
Tacori is represented by Howard Kroll and David Steele of Christie, Parker, and Hale, LLP. The two are no strangers to cybersquatting lawsuits; they’ve represented Verizon in multiple cases.
When asked for comment, Oversee.net responded “We are reviewing the lawsuit and plan to defend our position vigorously.”
[Update: It appears Oversee.net capitulated and handed over the domains.]
I’m not suprised one bit at this article. A few years back when I first got into the game, I registered some Lady Gagy related names (realllly good ones too) Then I learned more about TM infringement, UDRP, uspto.gov, etc and contacted oversee to have them all deleted. I later checked the whois and guess who picked them up?
Some shady stuff goes in in this inustry, thats goes without saying. Keep your eyes open and do your due dillegence before buying names and remember not everyone plays by the rules.
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I’m not at all surprised.
The day of reckoning may be at hand for auction houses and warehousers that consistently sell and squat on TMs.
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If Used Toyota dealerships can keep domains with the word, “Toyota,” and used Steinway piano dealership can keep its domain with, “Steinway,”
Panel Rules Used Steinway Seller Can Keep His Domain Name
https://domainnamewire.com/2010/06/03/panel-rules-used-steinway-seller-can-keep-his-domain-name
It makes it confusing just what IS allowed as far as trademark in a domain name.
I guess generic domaineers can thank oversee and all the other registrars (goddady for sure) that promote trademark domains. Thanks for helping ruin decent domaineers reputations by promoting trademark crap.
Based on the Oversee’s statement, (IMO) they will lose the case. IMO, obvious cybersquatting with stiff penalties. All typo site of a major jewelry brand.
Of course if you want a really interesting story look at who controls the historical Whois data being sold to trademark attorneys …
Good luck defending the indefensible.