CAMPBELL, Calif.—FriendFinder Networks Inc. (FFN), operator of the world's first and largest adult dating site AdultFriendFinder.com (AFF), recently received a ruling in its favor in Lithuania against Russian cybersquatter JSC DKD, also known as DKD Dating, requiring DKD to terminate its registration of domain name "adultfriendfinder.lt and to cease all use of the AdultFriendFinder trademark.
The dispute began in May of this year after the registered owner refused to transfer the domain to AFF after receiving a cease and desist letter. Thereafter, attorneys for AFF filed a complaint against DKD in August of 2016. After DKD failed to respond, the Lithuanian Court entered the order in AFF’s favor.
Judge William Mikuckienė ruled that the defendant's domain name was registered, used in bad faith, and was causing confusion among consumers. He further ordered that the use violated the rules of fair competition and the registered trademark rights of Various Inc., the wholly-owned FFN subsidiary that operates AFF. The court ordered that JSC DKD pay the expenses of Various Inc. in bringing the action.
According to FFN's CEO, Dr. Jonathan Buckheit, “Enforcing our valuable trademark and intellectual property rights around the world is important in maintaining brand solidarity as well as keeping the customers who are trying to access our sites safe from cyber squatters and other Internet outlaws. We are very happy with this result and will continue to aggressively pursue cybersquatters and other infringers as part of our global brand protection platform.”
David Sigalow of Pennsylvania-based Allen, Dyer, Doppelt, Milbrath & Gilchrest handled the case on behalf of Various, Inc.
For more information, visit FFN.com.
