Film director Spike Lee was awarded the domain name www.spikelee.com in this UDRP decision by Panelist Edward Chaisson: Shelton J. Lee (a.k.a. Spike Lee) v. Mercedita Kyamko, Case No. D2004-0483 (WIPO August 17, 2004).

The defaulting respondent used the domain name to redirect Internet users to a "pornographic" website.

The SPIKE LEE name had been the subject of applications for U.S. trademark registration, but had never been registered as a trademark. Instead, the Panel recognized Spike Lee's common law rights in the name SPIKE LEE, stating that the name "has become famous and is unquestionably associated in the public's mind ...   more »