The operators of the domain HikingTrails.com have applied for the registration of the matching mark, HIKINGTRAILS.COM. The USPTO application is filed with an “intent to use” clause, which often indicates that the related domain was acquired recently.
Here are the services linked to the trademark’s application:
- Downloadable mobile applications for hiking trails, gear, equipment and information related to hiking; Downloadable video recordings featuring hiking
- Advertising and directory services, namely, promoting the services of others by providing a web page featuring links to the websites of others; On-line retail store services featuring hiking gear and equipment
- Providing on-line magazines in the field of hiking and the outdoors; Providing on-line tutorial videos in the field of hiking gear, equipment and information, not downloadable; Providing online non-downloadable videos in the field of hiking gear, equipment and information
Registered in 1997, the domain HikingTrails.com appears to have been sold at the Uniregistry Market on or around July 10, 2021. It is still pointed to the Uniregistry lander, although it has been transferred to GoDaddy.
For many years and at least until 2006, HikingTrails.com was in the possession of Vertical Media Group, Inc., a company founded by Mr. Greg Prosl. It is not clear if the domain remained in his possession since 2006.
Per the trademark’s application, the current owner appears to be Mr. Porter Erisman, potentially the former Vice-President at Alibaba Group (2000-2008.)
It’s exciting seeing a generic domain name that defines a category of activities such as “hiking trails” become an active brand.
Why was HIKINGTRAILS.COM applied for as a trademark 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.
