Cybersquatting Case Over CheekyDevil.com Is Tossed

Cybersquatting Case Over CheekyDevil.com Is Tossed

BOSTON — An arbitrator has ruled against online dating conglomerate Together Networks after it pursued cybersquatting claims against competitor CheekyDevil.com.

Together Networks, which operates CheekyLovers.com, alleged that it holds a E.U. trademark for “CheekyLovers” and that the domain CheekyDevil.com leads to an online dating site that includes imagery of a “fanciful graphic of a heart design with two little horns and a tail,” like other sites it operates. It sought a domain transfer.

Together Networks owns some of the top online casual dating sites on the web, including Cupid.com, Flirt.com, BeNaughty.com, UpForIt.com, Shagaholic.com, SaucySingles.com and FreeSexMatch.com, among others.

In the case, CheekyDevil.com’s operator, who was unidentified but represented by the law firm of Greenberg Traurig, argued that it registered the domain in 2008 and started service in 2014. CheekyDevil.com also said it too had a registered trademark for its site, receiving one in the E.U. in May.

CheekyLovers.com, meanwhile started up its dating site in 2011, and received an E.U. registered mark in February.

Together Networks, in its claim at WIPO, said that domain name CheekyDevil.com is confusingly similar to its “CheekyLovers” mark because it takes the dominant element of this trademark, the term “cheeky,” while the word “lovers” is weak and devoid of distinctive character with respect to dating services since it is descriptive.

The arbitrator in the case, however, ruled for CheekyDevil.com’s operator, deciding that the timeline over the parties uses and rights raise “serious questions about whether [CheekyDevil.com’s] use of the domain name was bad faith use.” The judge rejected Together Network's claim.

“The panel finds that the present case appears to raise issues that go beyond the scope of the policy,” the arbitrator said in the decision. “Such issues as passing off or disputes relating to trademark validity and/or infringement require a comprehensive examination of evidence, which is not afforded to UDRP panels in an administrative proceeding such as this.

“The panel notes that these questions may be better addressed in a court of competent jurisdiction with greater inquisitorial powers to come to a determination as to the abovementioned questions. Based on the available record, the policy alone does not appear to be the appropriate instrument to resolve the parties’ dispute.”

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

FSC Publishes Analysis of Federal Trade Commission Event Promoting AV

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published an analysis of a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) event held this week that promoted age verification among other forms of speech regulation.

GirlsDoPorn Owner Michael Pratt Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking

Michael Pratt, former owner of the rogue website GirlsDoPorn, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California on Thursday to sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking charges, according to a report by City News Service.

Master Nico Relaunches Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Master Nico has relaunched his official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Federal Judge Grants Partial Halt of Florida AV Law

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Tallahassee Division, has granted a preliminary injunction against HB 3, the state's age verification law, as a lawsuit filed by two online trade associations challenging the law makes its way through the courts.

Aylo Releases Statement on Suspending Access to Pornhub in France

Technology and media company Aylo, which operates adult sites including Pornhub, YouPorn, and Redtube, has released a public statement regarding its decision to block access to its sites in France.

Pineapple Support to Host Wellness Sessions at Bucharest Summit

Pineapple Support is hosting free group and one-on-one therapy sessions at Bucharest Summit, June 3-5.

Pornhub Blocks Access in France in Response to SREN Law

Pornhub parent company Aylo has opted to block access to its sites in France rather than comply with age verification requirements under the country’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

ASACP Highlights Study on Parental Controls

The Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP) is highlighting the results of a study on the underutilization of parental controls.

Sydney Screams Launches New Site Through Grooby's Blue.xxx

Sydney Screams has launched her new membership site, SydneyScreams.xxx, through Grooby's website management company Blue.xxx.

Mistress Mystii Is LoyalFans' 'Featured Creator' for June

LoyalFans has named Mistress Mystii as its Featured Creator for June.

Show More