U.S. Justices Won’t Hear Domain Name Battle

WASHINGTON — In a case of particular interest to webmasters, U.S. justices this week turned away a case filed by automaker Nissan Motor Co. over the domain names Nissan.com and Nissan.net.

The Japanese car giant had sued U.S. entrepreneur Uzi Nissan, who registered Nissan.com in 1994 for his computer hardware company, Nissan Computer. He also registered Nissan.net in 1996 for an Internet service provider he founded.

Nissan Motors sued him in 1999 for $10 million, claiming that the word Nissan is its registered trademark and that the company therefore has the exclusive right to use the name Nissan. The car giant also asked the court to transfer the domain names.

Uzi Nissan, an Israeli immigrant, rejected the car company’s allegations in the suit, arguing that Nissan is his family name and also the name of a month in Hebrew and Arabic.

Uzi Nissan also noted that Nissan Motors already owns and can use the domain name NissanMotors.com.

The case, decided without comment by U.S. justices, made its way to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which decided that Nissan Motors’ claim was without merit.

The case first was considered in Los Angeles Superior Court, where a judge ruled that actions by Uzi Nissan didn’t act in bad faith — a factor weighed in federal anti-cybersquatting laws.

In November 2002, a Superior Court judge issued a permanent injunction, allowing Uzi Nissan to keep his domain names, but restricting the commercial advertising and anti-Nissan content that could be placed on the websites.

Uzi Nissan promptly appealed.

The 9th Circuit later ruled that Nissan Motors could not gain protection against any dilution of its trademark because Nissan Computer had made its first commercial use of the mark more than five years before Nissan’s trademark became famous in the United States. The court also said that Uzi Nissan can continue to link anti-Nissan websites.

On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court dashed all possible hopes by Nissan Motors to appeal the domain-name case.

The case is Nissan Motor Co. vs. Nissan Computer Corp., No. 04-869.

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

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Show More