Trademarks don’t give rights to the .com by default.
When you’re hit with a UDRP for an aged, generic .com domain, it’s important to fight back.
In the case of GreenFort.com, a domain registered in 2000, the domain was acquired by its current owner in 2007, at a SnapNames auction.
Fast forward to today, with Greenfort Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB of Frankfurt, Germany filing a UDRP against it.
The German law firm claimed rights to the GREENFORT mark stemming from a 2005 trademark registration; in 2006 they acquired a European Community mark as well.
The Respondent, who is in the business of acquiring and selling domain names, challenged the claims of the German law firm, pointing out that they are not significant in their field, and thus unknown.
They also stated the following:
” The Respondent maintains a portfolio of about 3,000 generic, surname, common use and intuitive domain names it began acquiring in 1999. GREENFORT is a surname, geographic and a generic “green” environmental term as well – which is why the Disputed Domain Name was on the Respondent’s wish lists while looking for non-renewals in the auctions.”
A three member panel decided on the case, and while one panelist delivered a dissenting opinion, two agreed that the domain should remain with the Respondent.
For the full text of the UDRP for GreenFort.com, click here.
