The recent BETWAYNL.COM UDRP Decision provides a clear, concise example of how the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) addresses targeted, bad-faith registrations combining famous trademarks with geographic identifiers. This ruling is essential reading for brand protection specialists.
This analysis summarizes the key technical and legal findings of the Administrative Panel Decision, which confirms that specific types of typo-squatting are quickly resolved under the UDRP framework.
📝 Case Metrics: Merryvale Limited v. Arjun Mehta
| Metric | Detail |
| Case Name | Merryvale Limited v. Arjun Mehta |
| Case ID | WIPO Case No. D2025-3904 |
| Decision Date | November 26, 2025 |
| Disputed Domain | <betwaynl.com> |
| Complainant | Merryvale Limited (Owner of BETWAY trademark) |
| Resolution | Transfer to Complainant |
🔍 UDRP Element Analysis
The Complainant successfully satisfied all three core UDRP elements required for the transfer of the domain.
1. Confusing Similarity (Para 4(a)(i))
The Panel established confusing similarity. Importantly, the domain name incorporates the BETWAY registered trademark in its entirety. Furthermore, the Panel deemed the country code “nl” (Netherlands) and the gTLD “.com” legally irrelevant for distinguishing the domain from the core mark. The addition of “nl” was, in fact, found to increase confusion by falsely suggesting an official, localized website for the Netherlands market.
2. Lack of Legitimate Interests (Para 4(a)(ii))
The Complainant established the Respondent’s lack of legitimate interests. Because the Respondent failed to submit a formal Response, the Panel inferred an absence of genuine rights. Moreover, the Complainant presented unchallenged evidence that the Respondent was not affiliated with the BETWAY brand, was not commonly known by the disputed name, and was not making a legitimate, non-commercial, or fair use of the domain.
3. Bad Faith Registration and Use (Para 4(a)(iii))
Bad faith was established by clear evidence of targeted commercial exploitation:
- Impersonation: The Respondent used the domain to host a website featuring the Complainant’s official BETWAY logo, branding, and promotional offers. This direct mimicry was an intentional attempt to mislead Internet users for commercial gain.
- Opportunistic Registration: The BETWAY trademark is globally famous. Therefore, the Panel concluded that the Respondent registered a domain comprising a famous mark plus a target market code (“nl”) with the intent to profit by diverting traffic meant for the legitimate brand owner.
💡 Conclusion: The BETWAYNL.COM UDRP Decision
The BETWAYNL.COM UDRP Decision is a textbook example of successful UDRP action against geo-targeted cybersquatting. This case confirms that when a domain combines a globally recognized trademark with a geographical identifier to create a misleading commercial site, it constitutes registration and use in bad faith, warranting transfer to the rightful trademark holder. Additionally, see the Guide to WIPO Domain Name Dispute Resolution (click here).
Last modified: December 10, 2025
