Represented by GR&R, Sbarro Franchise Co., LLC (Sbarro) recently prevailed in two disputes brought under the Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP).
The first case involved the domain name <sbarrochina.com>, which was registered by an individual in China who did not have any business relationship with Sbarro. The domain name resolved to a Chinese language website relating to gambling, a service not offered at Sbarro’s restaurants. After considering the facts of the case, the panel ordered that the domain name be transferred to Sbarro.
In the other case, an individual in the Russian Federation registered the domain name <mamasbarrosli.com>, an apparent reference to Mama Sbarro restaurants on Long Island. The registrant apparently believed that users visiting the domain name would not be seeking a pizza establishment, because the domain name was associated with a webpage featuring salacious content. Given the facts of the case, the panel ordered the transfer of the domain name to Sbarro.
As online presence continues to play an increasingly important role in business and commerce, policing social media and websites purporting to be associated with your brand is of paramount importance. For assistance with domain name disputes, improper use of trademarks in online advertising, or unauthorized use of content in social media posts or elsewhere, contact GR&R.