Can a domain name with the keyword "BitCoin", or any other cryptocurrency, - THAT DOES NOT HAVE A TRADEMARK - be taken in a UDRP filing? Also would it help/matter if the CryptoCurrency company is located outside the U.S. and I am located in the U.S.? Thank you in advance
Okay, so... I found this. icann.org/resources/pages/help/dndr/udrp-en It says: "Disputes alleged to arise from abusive registrations of domain names (for example, cybersquatting) may be addressed by expedited administrative proceedings that the holder of trademark rights initiates by filing a complaint with an approved dispute-resolution service provider." Then goes on to say... "To invoke the policy, a trademark owner should either (a) file a complaint in a court of proper jurisdiction against the domain-name holder (or where appropriate an in-rem action concerning the domain name) or (b) in cases of abusive registration submit a complaint to an approved dispute-resolution service provider (see below for a list and links)." Does this mean that if there is no trademark on a given keyword then there is no issue with an individual possessing a domain name with a given term such as "BitCoin"?
I found the answer... In the particular case of Bitcoin, there is a trademark. But at this point in life it has been "genericized" and if this is the case for which ever cryptocurrency you are referencing - then more than likely you are free to use it, as chances are, it has also been genericized. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generic_trademark