Published Works | World Trademark Review | 09 October 2023

Legitimate use prevails in UDRP case

The complainant, owner of the marks BB-HOTEL, BBHOTEL and B&B HOTELS, sought the transfer of ‘bboutiquehotel.com’ under the UDRP.

The panel found that the respondent carried out legitimate business operations, thus substantiating its rights and interests in the domain name.

There was no substantive evidence indicating that the respondent intended to exploit the complainant's trademarks or reputation.