EBEL SA v Sm@rtNet Ltd [2002] DRS 251 (29 April 2002)

EBEL SA v Sm@rtNet Ltd [2002] DRS 251 (29 April 2002)

The complainant established rights in the 'EBEL' mark, and the respondent engaged in a pattern of registering domain names corresponding to well-known watch brands, including 'EBEL', without rights or legitimate interests. The circumstances indicated the domain name was registered to exploit the complainant's trademark rights, constituting abusive registration under the Policy.

Citation
[2002] DRS 251
Parties
Complainant: EBEL S. A.; Respondent: Sm@rtNet Limited
Jurisdiction
United Kingdom
Judgment Date
29 April 2002
Procedural Posture
Domain Name Dispute / Expert Determination
Outcome
complaint allowed
Legal Topics
Domain Name Disputes, Trademark Rights, Abusive Registration
Intellectual Property Internet Law Domain Name Disputes Trademark Rights Abusive Registration

Case Brief

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Parties

EBEL S. A.

Complainant

Sm@rtNet Limited

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Domain Name Dispute / Expert Determination

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the complainant has rights in a name identical or similar to the domain name
  2. 2 Whether the domain name is an abusive registration in the hands of the respondent

Ratio Decidendi

The complainant established rights in the 'EBEL' mark, and the respondent engaged in a pattern of registering domain names corresponding to well-known watch brands, including 'EBEL', without rights or legitimate interests. The circumstances indicated the domain name was registered to exploit the complainant's trademark rights, constituting abusive registration under the Policy.

Court Disposition

complaint allowed

Orders

  • Domain name EBEL.co.uk to be transferred to the complainant