LDC IP Holdings, Inc., operators of the domain Sports.com, have filed an application for the registration of the matching mark, SPORTS.COM.
The mark is applied with an “intend to use” clause for the following services:
- downloadable software in the nature of mobile applications and telephone devices for sports wagering and betting, on-line gaming, and gambling, and featuring news and information in the fields of sports, sports betting, sports wagering, bookmaking, gaming, and gambling
- organizing, arranging, conducting and providing facilities for betting. bookmaking, gaming and gambling tournaments, wagering services, competitions, and contests; providing information related to gaming and gambling, sports, sporting events, sports betting, and sports wagering; providing entertainment services in the nature of sports, sporting events, sports betting, sports wagering, bookmaking, gaming, and gambling
- providing temporary use of on-line non-downloadable software featuring news and information in the field of sports betting, sports wagering, bookmaking, gaming, and gambling; providing temporary use of on-line non-downloadable software for sports wagering and betting, and on-line gaming and gambling
In 2021, the domain Sports.com was sold for the sum of $6 million dollars. Domain investor, George Kirikos, documented his findings.
There is a second trademark filing for an illustration that uses the Sports.com logo.
Why was SPORTS.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.
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.
