August 3: Booking.com goes to the Supreme Court
Here's how companies with generic names like Booking.com can trademark their name.
Source: US Supreme Court
Published: June 2020
Booking.com goes to the Supreme Court
Circulated: August 3, 2020
In 2012, Booking.com filed to register its domain name as a trademark. The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) refused to grant the registration because “booking” is generic and is not eligible for trademark protection.
After the company appealed the decision in multiple courts, the issue went to the US Supreme Court. The verdict: companies with generic names like Booking.com may trademark their name with the addition of “.com.” This decision allows websites like Dictionary.com or Rentals.com to protect their trademark and brand from competitors.
Due to COVID-19, USPTO v. Booking.com was the first-ever Supreme Court hearing to take place over the phone.
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