Fansites From Hell: Honda, You’re My Hero

Case: D2000-0365

Domain(s): herohonda.com

Complainant: Hero Honda Motors Limited

Respondent: Mr. Rao Tella

The Defense:

The Respondent claims to be a great fan of Honda motor cars. Based on the success of software fan clubs, the Respondent wanted to build a fan club www site for Honda motor cars. In mid 1998 the Respondent tried to register the domain name "hondafans.com" but it was not available during that time. He then tried to register the domain name "hondaclub.com" but this was not available either. Hence, the Respondent registered "herohonda.com" as he considers "Honda as the Hero of all the cars."