The Obero Inc. vs. eWeb Development Inc. Dispute: A Case of Reverse Domain Name Hijacking

In the WIPO Case No. D2016-2591, Obero Inc., a Canadian company, challenged eWeb Development Inc. over the domain name “obero.com”. Obero Inc. claimed rights based on its Canadian trademark registration, while eWeb Development argued that its domain registration predated Obero Inc.’s trademark.

Key facts:

Obero Inc. registered its trademark in Canada on June 8, 2016, claiming first use from September 23, 2010.

eWeb Development registered “obero.com” on July 28, 2008.

Obero Inc. accused eWeb Development of bad faith in domain registration and usage, aiming to sell the domain at an inflated price.

eWeb Development refuted these allegations, emphasizing their prior registration and legitimate business operations involving domain name registration and branding.

Panelist Christopher J. Pibus ruled that Obero Inc.’s complaint was groundless, as their trademark rights were established after eWeb Development’s domain registration. This decision marked the case as an instance of Reverse Domain Name Hijacking, implying bad faith on Obero Inc.’s part for filing an unfounded complaint.

The case highlights the importance of verifying the chronological sequence of trademark registrations and domain acquisitions in domain dispute resolutions.

For more details, you can read the complete WIPO decision: WIPO Case D2016-2591.

In the WIPO Case No. D2016-2591, Obero Inc., a Canadian company, challenged eWeb Development Inc. over the domain name “obero.com”. Obero Inc. claimed rights based on its Canadian trademark registration, while eWeb Development argued that its domain registration predated Obero Inc.’s trademark. Key facts: Obero Inc. registered its trademark in Canada on June 8, 2016,…