Re: Internet domain name controversies

On 10/14/96, Judith Szepesi wrote:
>
> Couldn't Internic just ask for indemnification from those who are
> asking to have a domain name registered? The trademark owner will
> sue the domain name owner anyway.
>
> Btw, the PTO does not accept TM registrations which include a .com.
> They officially disregard such extensions. They don't want to end
> up in the middle either.

Peter P. Michaud replied:
>>
>> Sorry, but not so. The Official Gazette has listed many applicants of
>> the XXXXXX.com variety.

I think you're both right. The PTO won't refuse registration to XXX.COM, but it WILL require the applicant to disclaim any claim of exclusive rights in the ".com" portion of the mark. In other words, the TLD suffix is treated as generic, just like "Corp.", "Co." or "Inc."

Bob Cumbow
<cumbr[_at_]perkinscoie.com> Received on Fri Oct 18 1996 - 16:31:16 GMT