One has to feel sad that Bill Gates is divorcing, but maybe the lives of billionaires are more complicated than we think.
On that note, two new trademark applications were filed at the USPTO, by two separate law firms, whose counsels share the same last name.
Florida based law firm Ranson & Ranson pllc applied for the registration of the mark MARRIAGEOVER.COM for the following services:
Legal services in relation to the negotiation of contracts for others; Legal services, namely, providing customized documentation, information, counseling, advice and consultation services in all areas of civil litigation, family law, contract; Providing legal services in the field of family law; Providing legal services in the field of family law, contract, general.
The mark’s application was filed with an “intent to use” clause. The domain MarriageOver.com was registered in 2020, but it appears to have been registered first in 2005. It dropped several times since.
Meanwhile, Lyne Ranson, DBA Lyne Ranson law offices, pllc who is based in West Virginia, filed for the registration of EASYDIVORCE.COM and for the following services:
Attorney services, namely, representation of clients in family law matters
In a similar fashion, the mark’s application was filed with an “intent to use” clause. The domain EasyDivorce.com was registered in 2001 and it was listed for sale on Sedo. The WHOIS information is partially under privacy. Perhaps the domain was sold recently.
Why were EASYDIVORCE.COM and MARRIAGEOVER.COM applied for as trademarks at the USPTO?
It’s an ongoing trend among owners of generic domain names, following the decision by SCOTUS on the Booking.com trademark application.
Since then, dozens of generic domain names have been applied to be registered as trademarks, inclusive of the TLD. We keep track of these applications, and so far none has been decided upon.
As of January 5th, 2021, BOOKING.COM is a registered trademark with the USPTO.
Will these applications become the new norm? Watch this video from NamesCon Online 2020.
