The uncertain status of criticism and tribute sites

As WIPO, NAF and Nominet panellists have taken inconsistent views on whether a disaffected customer or ardent fan can incorporate a trademark into a domain name, neither mark holders nor domain name registrants can be confident of their position. Rico Calleja of McDermott Will & Emery examines recent decisions to determine the legitimacy of domain name registrations for the purpose of hosting criticism or tribute sites.