Simon Willison’s Weblog

Bad faith my arse

11th July 2002

This is ludicrous. NAF have ordered the transfer of the domain name canadian.biz to Molson beer, who hold a trademark on the word “Canadian” (a brand of beer):

I find that the registration by the Respondent of record [...] four years subsequent to Complainant’s registration of its Canadian trademark, and almost 50 years subsequent to the Complainant’s first use of the mark constitutes bad faith.

Bad faith is one of the three elements required in order for a domain to be transferred. The domain registrant intended to run a directory of Canadian businesses. Bad faith my arse! More info on ICANNWatch and Slashdot.