Sleaford business hands over website address after domain dispute

Domain name dispute resolution service, Nominet, was called in by GT Global Trademarks AG after FGS Furnishings Ltd, registered the name dunlopillopillows.co.uk.

Nominet expert, Jason Rawkins, who adjudicated on the matter, advised that the domain name should be handed over after he was told that the name Dunlopillo has been used substantially in the UK for over 50 years and that GT Global have owned domain names associated with it since 1972.

The company, an authorised supplier for GT’s products, runs a chain of shops called The Sleep Shop and registered the name dunlopillopillows.co.uk which when logged on to redirected users to its own website, www.thesleepshop.co.uk.

GT Global claimed the registration of the name dunlopillopillows.co.uk was ‘abusive’.

Backing GT Global’s arguments Mr Rawkins said it was reasonable to conclude that some people could be confused into thinking the name was operated by GT Global and its use by FGS Furnishings Ltd would be ‘unfairly detrimental’.

He considered the domain name should be transferred to GT Global.

Commenting on the ruling, FGS Furnishings Ltd director Mark Graves told The Standard his business continues to be a stockist of Dunlopillo products and pointed out Nominet has no legal standing but is a national body that looks after domain names and advises who should rightfully own them. The domain was immediately transferred following the decision on Tuesday. He said: “It is a gentleman’s way between two companies of coming to a settlement, which we both agreed to. There is no animosity between us, we just said let Nominet decide.”