Legal Updates - Facebook wins URS Claim

Internet Law – E-Commerce – Domain – Uniform Rapid Suspension System - Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution - Facebook

Facebook has won the first case to be resolved under the Uniform Rapid Suspension (“URS”) System, which was designed for new generic top-level domains to combat clear cases of cybersquatting quicker than pre-existing systems.

Background

Facebook complained about the domain, “facebook.pw”, through URS in August 2013.
The domain was created to generate click-through revenue for the registrant of the site, who also had a history of cybersquatting.

URS System

Similar to Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution cases, under the URS system, a domain can be transferred to another entity only if:

the domain is identical or confusingly similar to a trade mark;
the registrant has no legitimate rights or interests in the domain; and
the domain was registered and used in bad faith.

Outcome

Facebook’s complaint was recently upheld, with the URS examiner being satisfied that all three elements had been shown.

The domain will be suspended until its registration period elapses.

How can we help?

RT Coopers are specialists in internet law. The firm regularly conducts formal reviews and due diligence in respect of businesses’ operations and would thus be able to assist with the above. In addition, we can handle URS claims on your behalf.

If you require further information contact us at [email protected]

Visit http://www.rtcoopers.com/ebusiness.php; http://www.rtcoopers.com/practice_intellectualproperty.php; or http://www.rtcoopers.com/practice_corporatecommercial.php for advice on internet law and commercial law.

© RT COOPERS, 2013. This Briefing Note does not provide a comprehensive or complete statement of the law relating to the issues discussed nor does it constitute legal advice. It is intended only to highlight general issues. Specialist legal advice should always be sought in relation to particular circumstances.