WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center
ADMINISTRATIVE PANEL DECISION
Microsoft Corporation v. Microsof.com aka
Tarek Ahmed
Case No. D2000-0548
1. The Parties
The Complainant is Microsoft Corporation, a corporation organized
in the State of Washington, United States of America (USA), with
place of business in Redmond, Washington, USA.
The Respondent is microsof.com, also known as Tarek Ahmed,
with address in Brooklyn, New York, USA.
2. The Domain Name(s) and Registrar(s)
The disputed domain name is "microsof.com".
The registrar of the disputed domain name is Network Solutions,
Inc., with business address in Herndon, Virginia, USA.
3. Procedural History
The essential procedural history of the administrative proceeding
is as follows:
a) Complainant initiated the proceeding by the filing of a
complaint via e-mail, received by the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation
Center ("WIPO") on June 3, 2000, and by courier mail
received by WIPO on June 6, 2000. Payment by Complainant of the
requisite filing fees accompanied the courier mailing. On June
6, 2000, WIPO transmitted a Request for Registrar Verification
to the registrar, Network Solutions, Inc. On June 14, 2000, WIPO
completed its formal filing compliance requirements checklist.
b) On June 15, 2000, WIPO transmitted notification of the
complaint and commencement of the proceeding to Respondent via
e-mail, telefax and courier mail. Notification was also transmitted
via e-mail, telefax and courier mail to Respondent’s Technical
Contact. Respondent subsequently transmitted an e-mail request
to WIPO regarding the procedure for filing a response, and was
advised to consult WIPO’s website for information.
c) On July 5, 2000, WIPO transmitted notification to Respondent
(and its Technical Contact) of its default in responding to the
complaint via e-mail, telefax and courier mail.
d) On July 6, 2000, WIPO invited the undersigned to serve
as panelist in this administrative proceeding, subject to receipt
of an executed Statement of Acceptance and Declaration of Impartiality
and Independence ("Statement and Declaration"). On July
6, 2000, the undersigned transmitted by fax the executed Statement
and Declaration to WIPO.
e) On July 7, 2000, Complainant and Respondent were notified
by WIPO of the appointment of the undersigned sole panelist as
the Administrative Panel (the "Panel") in this matter.
WIPO notified the Panel that, absent exceptional circumstances,
it would be required to forward its decision to WIPO by July 20,
2000. On July 7, 2000, the Panel received an electronic file in
this matter by e-mail from WIPO. The Panel subsequently received
a hard copy of the file in this matter by courier mail from WIPO.
The Panel has not received any requests from Complainant or
Respondent regarding further submissions, waivers or extensions
of deadlines, and the Panel has not found it necessary to request
any further information from the parties (taking note of Respondent’s
default in responding to the complaint). The proceedings have
been conducted in English.
4. Factual Background
Complainant is the holder of a substantial number of trademark
and service mark registrations on the Principal Register at the
USPTO for "MICROSOFT" as a word mark, including No.
1200236, dated July 6, 1982, covering computer programs and computer
programming services; No. 1252912, dated October 4, 1983, covering,
inter alia, computer hardware and software manuals; No. 1259874,
dated December 6, 1983, covering, inter alia, computer programs
recorded on tapes and diskettes; No. 1684033, dated April 21,
1992, covering education and training services; No. 1966382, covering
telecommunications services, and; No. 2163597, covering, inter
alia, computers and component parts (Complaint, para. 10 and Exhibit
D). These registrations are valid and subsisting. The "MICROSOFT"
mark has been used in commerce since at least 1982 (based on the
foregoing registrations), and continues to be used in commerce.
The MICROSOFT mark has been widely advertised and is well known.
Complainant is the holder of a substantial number of trademark
and service mark registrations on the Principal Register at the
USPTO for "MICROSOFT-" formative marks, including "MICROSOFT
WINDOWS", dated February 27, 1996, covering, inter alia,
computers and components, and computer programs in the field of
graphical applications; "MICROSOFT ACCESS", dated December
22, 1992, covering, inter alia, computer programs for use with
databases; and "MICROSOFT WINDOWS NT", dated April 25,
1995, covering, inter alia, computer programs in the nature of
operating system programs. These registrations are valid and subsisting,
and are used in commerce.
Complainant has registered and is using the domain names "microsoft.com"
and "microsoft.net" in connection with a website that
promotes and offers its products for sale. (Complaint, para. 12
and Exhibit E). The "www.microsoft.com" website is identified
on its homepage by the name "microsoft.com" (id.)
According to the registrar’s verification response to WIPO,
dated June 8, 2000, "microsof.com" is the listed registrant
of the domain name "MICROSOF.COM". The Administrative
Contact is "Tarek, Ahmed". The addresses listed for
the registrant and the Administrative Contact are identical. A
Network Solutions’ WHOIS database search indicates that the record
of registration was created on March 6, 2000, and that the record
was last updated on March 27, 2000 (Complaint, Exhibit A).
A printout, dated May 18, 2000, of the web page identified
by the address "www.microsof.com", includes a banner
identifying it as the "microsof.com" homepage. The webpage
prominently displays two Microsoft program box covers, between
which is displayed a box cover for Red Hat Linux 6.1 Deluxe software.
Beneath this display is a list of "Top Ten Microsoft Titles".
Complainant indicates that in the creation of the title and description
of its "microsof.com" homepage, Respondent copied the
source code (title, description, keywords) from Complainant’s
"microsoft.com" homepage, only omitting the "t".
Complainant has provided printouts of the source code (or "html
code") for the two home pages (Complaint, para. 13-14, 18,
and Exhibits F and H), and these printouts indicate a substantial
identity of the introductory elements of the source code for the
two home pages. Respondent’s homepage states that "We offer
a wide variety of software, hardware, and valuable services to
help your business grow. For your added convenience, selected
software is available for immediate download" (Complaint,
Exhibit G).
By e-mail of May 16, 2000, Complainant requested that Respondent
transfer the disputed domain name to it since Respondent’s name
is confusingly similar to Complainant’s trademark and its website
may create consumer confusion. Complainant offered "to reimburse
you for the registration fees paid for the domain name."
Complainant also requested that Respondent redesign its website
"to remove any elements that might confuse Internet users
into believe [sic] that your website is endorsed, authorized or
sponsored by, or affiliated with, Microsoft Specifically, we request
that all references to "microsof.com" be removed …"
(E-mail from James Blackburn to tarek@eartgroup.com of May 16,
2000, Complaint, Exhibit I). Respondent’s e-mail reply stated:
"I understand your concern with how MY site is used,
however the registration fees offer you make is quite humorous.
I could easily have gone [sic] a wrong direction, such as promoting
porn, however, I didn’t because I am a user and developer of Microsoft
products. I am right now seeking funding for a development project
that in conjunction with microsof.com will definitely enhance
Micorsoft’s customer relations I have already raised substantial
capital and am willing to talk in [sic] how I can partner with
Microsoft, however I will say again that I am not interested in
"reimbursement" of registration fees. I would like to
add that we know how Microsoft public image is of late and I think
as a Microsoft representative you should contact Microsoft and
tell them my situation and return with a much better offer. (E-mail
from Tarek Ahmed to James Blackburn, dated May 16, 2000, id.)"
The hardcopy file transmitted by WIPO to the Panel includes
a printout from Respondent’s website ("www.microsof.com"),
dated June 6, 2000. It is headed (upper left) in small print "Microsoft
is trying to rob me." The body of the web page states in
large block capital letters, "THIS IS NOT MICROSOFT.COM SITE.
ALL I DID WAS SELL PRODUCTS AND SUPPORT MICROSOFT PRODUCTS. NOW
THEY WANT TO TAKE AWAY MY DOMAIN NAME. WHAT HAPPENED TO FREE TRADE???????"
This is followed in small print "If anyone can help me please
send some information to …@hotmail.com"
The Service Agreement in effect between Respondent and Network
Solutions subjects Respondent to Network Solutions’ dispute settlement
policy, the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy, as
adopted by ICANN on August 26, 1999, and with implementing documents
approved by ICANN on October 24, 1999. The Uniform Domain Name
Dispute Resolution Policy (the "Policy") requires that
domain name registrants submit to a mandatory administrative proceeding
conducted by an approved dispute resolution service provider,
of which WIPO is one, regarding allegations of abusive domain
name registration (Policy, para. 4(a)).
5. Parties’ Contentions
Complainant
Complainant states:
"A. Microsoft’s Ownership of the Microsoft Mark
Microsoft is a well-known, worldwide provider of computer
software and related products and services, including products
for use on the Internet and for developing Internet software,
and online services and information delivered via the Internet.
Since its inception in 1975, Microsoft has created software for
use in the workplace, home, and educational institutions.
Microsoft’s products and services include computer operating
systems, client/server applications, business and consumer productivity
applications, software programming tools, interactive media programs,
Internet platform and development tools, computer input devices,
online information and entertainment services, electronic commerce
services, and computer publications.
In connection with these goods and services, Microsoft owns,
among other trademarks, the world famous trademark Microsoft (the
‘Microsoft Mark’). The United States Patent and Trademark Office
has granted federal trademark registrations for the Microsoft
Mark in numerous classes of goods and services, including, without
limitation: computer programs; computer hardware; information
services in the fields of entertainment, movies and sports; interactive
electronic retailing and on-line ordering and information systems;
restaurant and travel information and reservations; electronic
mail services; and books and reference materials. Copies of a
number of Microsoft’s federal trademark registrations for the
Microsoft Mark are attached ….
11. Microsoft has spent an enormous amount of time, effort
and money advertising and promoting the Microsoft Mark throughout
the United States and the world. As a result, the Microsoft Mark
has become famous worldwide, and Microsoft has developed an enormous
amount of goodwill in the mark.
12 In connection with the Microsoft Mark, Microsoft has established
an Internet website which can be reached through domain names
comprised of the Microsoft Mark, including ‘microsoft.com’ and
‘microsoft.net’ (the ‘Microsoft Website’). The Microsoft Website
allows computer users throughout the United States and the world
to access information regarding Microsoft and its products and
to use and enjoy the Internet services provided by Microsoft.
The visual portion of the homepage of the Microsoft Website contains
a light blue border at the top which identifies the website’s
name ‘microsoft.com.’ The text of the page includes links to information
about Microsoft and its products and links to websites where Microsoft
products can be purchased. A copy of the homepage of the Microsoft
Website is attached….
13 In addition to the visual portion of a website, every website
contains ‘source code’ or ‘html code’ which is the code that determines
what the visual portion of the site will look like. The html code
for a webpage also may contain non-visual aspects, including its
title, description and keywords which are used by some search
engines to determine whether a particular webpage is relevant
to an Internet user’s search engine query. The html title, description
and/or keywords also may be seen by an Internet user when they
are displayed on a search engine’s results ranking page listing
the particular webpage. Finally, the html title of the webpage
may appear in the Internet user’s browser when the page is displayed
or when it is printed. The content of the html code is determined
by the website owner and developer.
14 The html code for home page of the Microsoft Website includes
the title ‘Welcome to Microsoft’s Homepage’ and the following
description: The entry page to Microsoft’s Website. Find software,
solutions and answers. Support, and Microsoft news.
The ‘keywords’ in the html code for the Microsoft Website
are: ‘products; headlines; downloads; news; Web site; what’s new;
solutions; services; software; contests; corporate news.’ A copy
of the source code for the home page of the Microsoft website
is attached….
B. Respondent Has No Legitimate Interest in the Domain Name
‘microsof.com’
15 Respondent has no connection or affiliation with Microsoft,
and has not received any license or consent, express or implied,
to use the Microsoft Mark in a domain name or in any other manner.
Respondent is not an authorized dealer or reseller of Microsoft
products or services. Moreover, Microsoft is unaware of any legitimate
right Respondent could have in the word ‘microsof,’ which is confusingly
similar to its own famous trademark. Thus, Respondent has no legitimate
interest in ‘microsof.com’ and has made no good faith or fair
use of the domain name ‘microsof.com.’
C. Respondent Has Registered and Used ‘microsof.com’ in Bad
Faith
16 Respondent registered ‘microsof.com’ because it is comprised
of the world-famous Microsoft trademark, with the intent either
to sell this domain name to Microsoft, or to misdirect computer
users who are attempting to find the official Microsoft Websites
associated with this trademark and hijack them to respondent’s
own website.
17 First, Respondent used ‘microsof.com’ to divert Internet
users seeking an official Microsoft website to his website. Courts
have recognized that consumers expect to find a company on the
Internet at a domain name address comprised of the company’s name
or mark. See Panavision Int’l, L.P. v. Toeppen, 141 F.3d 1316
(9th Cir. 1998) (‘A customer who is unsure about a company’s domain
name will often guess that the domain name is also the company’s
name.’ . . . ‘[A] domain name mirroring a corporate name may be
a valuable corporate asset, as it facilitates communication with
a customer base.’) Respondent has attempted to take advantage
of, for his own commercial advantage, the Internet user behavior
pattern identified in Panavision. It is very likely that many
Internet users seeking to locate the official Microsoft website
on the Internet will type ‘microsoft.com’ into their Internet
browsers. As noted above, these Internet users will have correctly
identified the location of the Microsoft Website. However, a certain
proportion of these users undoubtedly will misspell ‘Microsoft’
or make a typographical error while typing ‘Microsoft’ into their
Internet browsers by inadvertently omitting the ‘t’ -- the last
letter -- from the Microsoft mark. Thus, some Internet users seeking
to find ‘microsoft.com’ will mistakenly arrive at Respondent’s
website at ‘microsof.com.’ As described more fully below, these
individuals will not know why they did not reach the official
Microsoft website and a significant number will be confused into
believing that Respondent’s website is the official Microsoft
Website.
18 Second, rather than dispel any confusion, the visual content
of and html code for Respondent’s website at ‘microsof.com’ has
been deliberately designed to create consumer confusion. Courts
have recognized that the use of a domain name confusingly similar
to another’s trademark and/or the inclusion of another’s trademark
in the metatags for a website can constitute trademark infringement
and violate Section 43(a) of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a),
and other federal and state laws. See Brookfield Communications,
Inc. v. West Coast Entertainment Corp., 174 F.3d 1036 (9th Cir.
1999). As set forth above, on its websites, Microsoft offers its
computer software products for sale. Internet users who accidentally
arrive at Respondent’s website by mistakenly omitting the ‘t’
from ‘microsoft.com’ will see the homepage for ‘microsof.com.’
The visual portion of the homepage of ‘microsof.com’ has a blue
border at the top with the title ‘microsof.com’ and includes pictures
and descriptions of official Microsoft products. Thus, Internet
users who see the Microsoft products on respondent’s website are
likely to remain confused regarding whether they have reached
an official Microsoft website. Also, even if the Internet user
realizes that he or she is not at the official Microsoft website,
because ‘microsof.com’ offers Microsoft software products and
services, these users are likely to be confused regarding Microsoft’s
affiliation with, connection or sponsorship of ‘microsof.com,’
or patronize Respondent’s website instead of an official Microsoft
website. A copy of the printout from the homepage of the ‘microsof.com’
web page is attached….
19 The non-visual portions of the html code for Respondent’s
website also is designed to create confusion between ‘microsof.com’
and the Microsoft website. In fact, a comparison for the html
code for the two websites reveals that Respondent has simply copied
the title, description and keywords from the Microsoft Website
into the ‘microsof.com’ site except that he has omitted the final
letter -- ‘t’ -- from the word ‘microsoft’ wherever it appears.
For example, html title of Respondent’s website is ‘Welcome to
Microsof’s Homepage.’ The html description of the ‘microsof.com’
site is:
The entry page to Microsof’s Web site. Find software, solutions
and answers. Support, and Microsof news.
Finally, the html keywords used by Respondent are copied from
the Microsoft Website. A copy of the html code for the ‘microsof.com’
website is attached….
20 Moreover, respondent’s ‘microsof.com’ website is offering
for sale non-Microsoft and competing products and services. By
doing so, Respondent is creating a likelihood that consumers will
be confused regarding Microsoft’s affiliation or connection with,
or sponsorship or endorsement of those products. For example,
Respondent’s website offers for sale products created by Microsoft’s
competitors, including, for example, ‘Red Hat Linux 6.1.’ See
Exhibit …. Because these products are being sold side-by-side
with Microsoft products, on a website located at the domain name
‘microsof.com,’ consumers may believe that there is a connection
between Microsoft and Red Hat Linux when, in fact, none exists.
21 As mentioned above, ‘microsof’ is a common typographical
misspelling of ‘Microsoft.’ Respondent has registered and used
this typographical misspelling of the Microsoft Marks to divert
Internet traffic for his own commercial advantage. By prominently
displaying Microsoft products on the first page of the ‘microsof.com’
website, Respondent is further confusing Internet users into believing
that they have reached an official Microsoft site. Alternatively,
even if Internet users realize that they have not arrived at an
official Microsoft site, to the extent they were seeking products
and services available through Respondent’s website, they may
decide to patronize Respondent’s website instead of continuing
their search for an official Microsoft website.
22 Finally, Respondent has used the domain name ‘microsof.com’
in bad faith by offering to sell it to Microsoft. On May 16, 2000,
Microsoft’s counsel sent an email letter to Respondent concerning
Respondent’s bad-faith registration and use of the ‘microsof.com’
domain name, and requesting that Respondent voluntarily agree
to transfer the domain name to Microsoft. Respondent replied by
email later that day. A copy of the email letter and response
is attached…. In his response, Respondent made a bald-faced threat
to take further action to harm Microsoft, such as by redirecting
the domain name to a pornographic website, and demanded that Microsoft
make him a ‘much better offer’ for transfer of the domain name
to Microsoft:
I understand your concern with how MY site is used, however
the registration fees offer you make is quite humorous. I could
easily have gone a wrong direction, such as promoting porn, however,
I didn’t because I am a user and developer of Microsoft products.
[. . . .] I would like to add that we know how Microsoft public
image is of late and I think as a Microsoft representative you
should contact Microsoft and tell them my situation and return
with a much better offer. [Emphasis added].
Respondent’s thinly veiled threat to use the domain name to
further damage Microsoft if it does not pay him a substantial
sum for transfer of the domain name is a clear case of bad-faith
use of the domain name.
MICROSOFT’S ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE THIS DISPUTE INFORMALLY
23 As set forth above, Microsoft’s counsel has attempted to
resolve this
matter informally with Respondent by requesting that Respondent
voluntarily agree to transfer the domain name to Microsoft. Respondent
rejected Microsoft’s offer." (Complaint)
Complainant requests that the Panel ask the Registrar to transfer
the domain name "microsof.com" from Respondent to it
(id., para. 24).
B. Respondent
Respondent did not formally reply to the complaint. However,
subsequent to the filing of the complaint, Respondent’s website
posted a message asserting that Respondent’s sole action was to
"sell products and support Microsoft products". In view
of the inclusion of this message in the case file, the Panel will
treat it as Respondent’s assertion of a legitimate interest in
use of the disputed domain name for the purpose of offering and
selling software products over the Internet, including those of
Complainant and other parties.
6. Discussion and Findings
The Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (the "Policy")
adopted by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers
(ICANN) on August 26, 1999 (with implementing documents approved
on October 24, 1999), is addressed to resolving disputes concerning
allegations of abusive domain name registration. This sole panelist
has in an earlier decision discussed the background of the administrative
panel procedure, and the legal characteristics of domain names,
and refers to this earlier decision for such discussion 1. The
Panel will confine itself to making determinations necessary to
resolve this administrative proceeding.
It is essential to dispute resolution proceedings that fundamental
due process requirements be met. Such requirements include that
a respondent have notice of proceedings that may substantially
affect its rights. The Policy, and the Rules for Uniform Domain
Name Dispute Resolution Policy (the "Rules"), establish
procedures intended to assure that respondents are given adequate
notice of proceedings commenced against them, and a reasonable
opportunity to respond
(see, e.g., para. 2(a), Rules).
In this case, the Panel is satisfied that WIPO took all steps
reasonably necessary to notify the Respondent of the filing of
the complaint and initiation of these proceedings, and that the
failure of the Respondent to furnish a reply is not due to any
omission by WIPO. Respondent acknowledged receipt of the complaint
and initiation of these proceedings by its e-mail message to WIPO
(see Procedural History, supra).
Paragraph 4(a) of the Policy sets forth three elements that
must be established by a Complainant to merit a finding that a
Respondent has engaged in abusive domain name registration, and
to obtain relief. These elements are that:
(i) Respondent’s domain name is identical or confusingly similar
to a trademark or service mark in which the complainant has rights;
and
(ii) Respondent has no rights or legitimate interests in respect
of the domain name; and
(iii) Respondent’s domain name has been registered and is
being used in bad faith.
Each of the aforesaid three elements must be proved by a complainant
to warrant relief.
Because the Respondent has defaulted in providing a response
to the allegations of Complainant, the Panel is directed to decide
this administrative proceeding on the basis of the complaint (Rules,
para. 14(a)), and certain factual conclusions may be drawn by
the Panel on the basis of Complainant’s undisputed representations
(id., para. 15(a)).
Complainant is the holder of trademark and service mark registrations
for the term "MICROSOFT" and for several "MICROSOFT"-formative
marks, including "MICROSOFT ACCESS", "MICROSOFT
WINDOWS" and MICROSOFT WINDOWS NT", in the United States
and is using those marks in commerce (see Factual Background,
supra). Complainant’s registration of the "MICROSOFT"
marks on the Principal Register at the PTO establishes a presumption
of their validity in U.S. law 2. The Panel determines that Complainant
has rights in the trademarks "MICROSOFT", "MICROSOFT
ACCESS", "MICROSOFT WINDOWS" and "MICROSOFT
WINDOWS NT". Based on the July 6, 1982, date of Complainant’s
registration of the trademark "MICROSOFT" (the earliest
of those submitted in this proceeding by Complainant), and without
prejudice to whether Complainant may hold earlier-arising rights
in the mark, the Panel determines that Complainant’s rights in
the trademark arose prior to Respondent’s registration, on March
6, 2000, of the disputed domain name "microsof.com"
3.
Complainant’s "MICROSOFT" mark is well known throughout
the world.
Complainant has registered and uses the domain name "microsoft.com",
inter alia, to advertise, sell, and provide customer support for
its products. Complainant’s principal website is identified by
a banner as "microsoft.com".
Respondent has registered the domain name "microsof.com".
This name is identical to Complainant’s trademark "Microsoft",
except that (1) the domain name adds the generic top-level domain
name ".com", (2) the domain name employs lower case
letters, while the trademark is generally used with an initial
capital letter, and (3) the domain name omits the letter "t"
at the end of the mark.
The addition of the generic top-level domain name (gTLD) ".com"
is without legal significance from the standpoint of comparing
"microsof.com" to "Microsoft" since use of
a gTLD is required of domain name registrants, ".com"
is one of only several such gTLDs, and ".com" does not
serve to identify a specific enterprise as a source of goods or
services 4. Insofar as domain names are not case sensitive, the
Panel concludes that use of the lower case letter format in "microsof.com"
is without legal significance from the standpoint of comparing
that name to "Microsoft" 5.
The term "microsof" is very similar to "microsoft"
in its visual impression. Pronunciation of the two terms is very
similar. An Internet user or consumer viewing the term "microsof"
(or "microsof.com") is likely to confuse it with the
term "microsoft" (or "microsoft.com"). Complainant’s
mark "Microsoft" is undoubtedly strong – it is immediately
recognizable by the public – and this factor contributes to the
likelihood of confusion 6. The Panel determines that the disputed
domain name "microsof.com" is confusingly similar to
"Microsoft" in the sense of paragraph 4(a)(i) of the
Policy.
Complainant has met the burden of proving that Respondent
is the registrant of a domain name that is identical or confusingly
similar to a trademark in which the Complainant has rights, and
it has thus established the first of the three elements necessary
to a finding that Respondent has engaged in abusive domain name
registration.
The second element of a claim of abusive domain registration
is that the Respondent has no rights or legitimate interests in
respect of the domain name (Policy, para. 4(a)(ii)). The Policy
enumerates several ways in which a respondent may demonstrate
rights or legitimate interests:
"Any of the following circumstances, in particular but
without limitation, if found by the Panel to be proved based on
its evaluation of all evidence presented, shall demonstrate your
rights or legitimate interests to the domain name for purposes
of Paragraph 4(a)(ii)
(i) before any notice to you of the dispute, your use of,
or demonstrable preparations to use, the domain name or a name
corresponding to the domain name in connection with a bona fide
offering of goods or services; or
(ii) you (as an individual, business, or other organization)
have been commonly known by the domain name, even if you have
acquired no trademark or service mark rights; or
(iii) you are making a legitimate noncommercial or fair use
of the domain name, without intent for commercial gain to misleadingly
divert consumers or to tarnish the trademark or service mark at
issue." (Policy, para. 4(c)).
There is no evidence on the record of this proceeding to suggest
that Respondent has been commonly known by the disputed domain
name, or that Respondent has made noncommercial or fair use of
the name. It appears from the record, however, that Respondent
has offered to sell goods and provide services on a website identified
by the "microsof.com" domain name.
By using a domain name and establishing a website deliberately
designed to confuse Internet users and consumers regarding the
identity of the seller of the goods and services, Respondent has
not undertaken a bona fide or good faith offering of the goods
and services. Respondent’s goods may (or may not) be genuine,
but consumers have a right to purchase goods and services from
the seller of their own choosing. Respondent offered to sell goods
and services under a domain name confusingly similar to Complainant’s
mark. That domain name directed Internet users to a website designed
to perpetuate confusion – to suggest to consumers that they were
purchasing goods and services directly from Complainant. This
was not a bona fide offering of goods and services by Respondent.
Respondent adopted one of the world’s best-known trademarks
and service marks as its domain name (omitting one letter). In
establishing its website, Respondent appears to have used the
literal source code of Complainant’s website. Respondent was undoubtedly
aware of Complainant’s interest in its mark, including its use
as the principal identifier for Complainant’s own website. Respondent
designed its website to convey the visual impression of Complainant’s
website.
On the record of this proceeding, Respondent did not undertake
a bona fide offering for sale of goods or services before notice
of the dispute Respondent offered its products and services under
the false pretense of being Complainant.
Respondent has failed to establish rights or legitimate interests
in the disputed domain name. Thus, Complainant has established
the second element necessary to prevail on its claim that Respondent
has engaged in abusive domain name registration.
The Policy indicates that certain circumstances may, "in
particular but without limitation", be evidence of bad faith
(Policy, para. 4(b)). Among these circumstances are that a respondent
"by using the domain name, … [has] intentionally attempted
to attract, for commercial gain, Internet users to [its] web site
or other on-line location, by creating a likelihood of confusion
with the complainant’s mark as to the source, sponsorship, affiliation,
or endorsement of [respondent’s] web site or location of a product
or service on [its] web site or location" (id., para. 4(b)(iv)).
Respondent has registered a domain name that Internet users
are likely to employ inadvertently as they misspell Complainant’s
domain name when attempting to locate Complainant’s website. Respondent’s
choice of a misspelled version of Complainant’s domain name was
deliberate, as evidenced, inter alia, by its use of Complainant’s
homepage source code for significant parts of its own website,
altering only a single letter in Complainant’s name. Respondent
created a website homepage that is substantially similar to Complainant’s,
and that is likely to confuse consumers as to the sponsorship
of Respondent’s web site. This constitutes bad faith within the
meaning of paragraph 4(b)(iv) of the Policy.
Complainant has established the third and final element necessary
for a finding that the Respondent has engaged in abusive domain
name registration.
The Panel will therefore request the registrar to transfer
the domain name "microsof.com" to the Complainant.
7. Decision
Based on its finding that the Respondent, microsof.com, also
known as Tarek Ahmed, has engaged in abusive registration of the
domain name "microsof.com" within the meaning of paragraph
4(a) of the Policy, the Panel orders that the domain name "microsof.com"
be transferred to the Complainant, Microsoft Corporation.
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Frederick M. Abbott
Sole Panelist
Dated: July 21, 2000
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Footnotes:
1. See Educational Testing Service v. TOEFL, Case No. D2000-0044,
decided March 16, 2000.
2. 15 USCS § 1057(b). See, e.g., Avery Dennison v. Sumpton,
189 F.3d 868 (9th Cir. 1999).
3. For purposes of deciding this proceeding, the Panel need
not further consider the legal significance of Complainant’s "Microsoft"-formative
marks.
4. See Sporty's Farm v. Sportsman's Market, 202 F.3d 489,
498 (2d Cir. 2000), citing Brookfield Communications v. West Coast
Entertainment, 174 F.3d 1036 (9th Cir. 1999). For purposes of
its decision, the Panel need not address whether ".com"
may be capable of acquiring secondary meaning in another context.
5. See Brookfield, id.,174 F.3d 1036, 1055 (9th Cir. 1999).
6. See Brookfield, id., 174 F.3d 1036, 1053-61 (9th Cir. 1999),
citing AMF Inc. v. Sleekcraft Boats, 599 F.2d 341 (9th Cir. 1979).
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