Credit: Slipknot
The core of Slipknot’s argument is that the domain owner—identified only as “John Doe and Company ABC” due to obscured registration details—registered the name deliberately to “profit off” the band’s established “goodwill.” Slipknot pointed out that they had been active since 1995 and had begun the trademark registration process for their distinctive logo prior to the domain acquisition.
The lawsuit alleges that the domain owner is actively deceiving fans under the impression they are visiting an affiliated site. The current structure of slipknot.com links off to ticketing and what the band claims are sites selling unauthorized and counterfeit merchandise, allowing the domain owner to financially benefit.
This legal action may be part of a broader industry trend of artists cracking down on the sale of bootleg merchandise online. After being locked out of their primary domain for over two decades, Slipknot is seeking to reclaim the site, arguing that the continued use is a direct violation of their brand rights.
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