The operators of the domain SocialButterfly.com have applied for the registration of the matching mark, SOCIALBUTTERFLY.COM.
South Dakota-based corporation Webit, Inc., filed for the registration of the mark with an “intent to use” clause, which makes sense, as the domain’s WHOIS still shows Telepathy, Inc. as the registrant.
The mark was applied for the following services:
Providing business information in the field of social media; On-line customer-based social media brand marketing services; Marketing services in the nature of promotion of third-party goods and services by social media influencers.
Obviously, applying for a trademark that matches the domain name would be unthinkable if the domain were not secured. We’re not certain why the proverbial cart is in front of the horse but anything goes in the domain industry; perhaps a payment plan is in place and no WHOIS changes will occur until the domain is paid in full.
Update 4/29/2022: We have received confirmation that the domain SocialButterfly.com has been sold. Congratulations to Telepathy.com for yet another great domain sale!
A social butterfly is someone who is social or friendly with everyone, flitting from person to person, the way a butterfly might.
Why was the domain name SocialButterfly.com applied for as a trademark with 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.
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.
