The company iN DEMAND LLC, operators of the domain PPV.com, have applied for the registration of the mark PPV.COM with the USPTO.
A common acronym for “Pay Per View,” PPV.com was registered in May 1995, as one of the early domains when registrations were free. There is no indication that the domain has changed hands since, although the earliest WHOIS record via DomainTools originates in 2003.
The PPV.COM mark is being claimed for the following services:
Software for streaming audiovisual and multimedia content via the internet and global communications networks; mobile applications for accessing and streaming audiovisual and multimedia content via the internet and global communications networks
Streaming of audiovisual and multimedia content via the internet; transmission and delivery of audiovisual and multimedia content via the internet; Video-on-demand transmission services; Cable television transmission services; Pay-per-view television transmission services; Subscription television broadcast services
Entertainment and educational services, namely, providing non-downloadable movies, sports, television programs and multimedia entertainment content via a video-on-demand and pay-per-view services; Distribution of movies and television programs featuring news, sports, comedy, concerts, documentaries and commentary for others to cable television systems; providing a website featuring non-downloadable television shows, movies, and multimedia entertainment content
All services are being claimed with an “intent to use” application, and the landing page of PPV.com clearly shows that these services aren’t yet available, but they are coming soon. The application is for a stylized form of PPV.COM similar to the one displayed on the PPV.com homepage.
Why was PPV.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.
