Tesla Loses Cybersquatting Complaint Over TeslaShop.com Domain
Jun/19/2024
Tesla has lost a cybersquatting complaint filed against the owner of TeslaShop.com. The domain, owned by a Polish entity, redirects to a page professing admiration for Tesla vehicles while addressing issues like expensive parts, which birthed their business model. The reviewing panelist, Jeffrey M. Samuels, cited an exception in the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) for service and parts suppliers. He concluded that the site, clearly not operated by Tesla, falls under this exception, thereby granting the owner legitimate rights to the domain. Tesla, represented by ArentFox Schiff LLP, sought the domain's transfer, contending it was confusingly similar to its trademark. However, the decision, supported by Samuels, maintains the domain with its current owner, represented by SikoraLegal Rafał Sikora. The chart below shows that 77.5% of top-level domains (TLDs) linked to Tesla are parked or taken but not used, 13.5% are active with 20% linked to Musk's Tesla company, and 9% overall are available for sale.
