Hustler: We Will Fight Infringement of Our Trademarks on .XXX

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.—Hustler has issued a statement saying it remains unrelenting in its stance that ICM Registry is prohibited from registering or selling to a third party any .XXX domain names that contain the world-famous Hustler trademark or other Hustler-related trademarks. The company further stated that on more than one occasion, it has made clear in writing that any attempt to do so will constitute infringement of its intellectual property rights and that legal action will be taken. “Like many other companies in the adult industry, Hustler will not allow its trademarks to be bought, sold or used by any other entity nor will we be shaken down by ICM,” said Michael H. Klein, President of Hustler. “We are prepared to take whatever legal action may be necessary.” Attorneys for Hustler also said that they continue in their attempts to initiate a dialogue with the registry, but that ICM has remained silent. “We are constantly policing the registration and use of domain names that attempt to capitalize on Hustler’s trademarks,” said Jonathan Brown, attorney for Hustler. “ICM’s silence is particularly disconcerting, especially in light of ICM’s supposed aim of ‘working proactively to balance the rights of… existing domain name holders, and other trademark and intellectual property holders.’” “Unfortunately, despite all the talk out of ICM, it appears that the .XXX TLD will do nothing but drive up costs to the adult community and will force us to fight infringement on yet another front,”  Klein added. Last week, the parent company of Brazzers, Manwin, also signaled its intention to assertively protect its online properties in a letter to ICM Registry demanding protection of its domain names and trademarks as the launch date for .XXX nears.