Coinbase, the U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange, has filed a lawsuit against German citizen Tobias Honscha for cybersquatting on the domain coinbase.de.
Allegations Against Tobias Honscha
Coinbase filed the case in a California federal court, accusing Honscha of maliciously using the domain to redirect users to a mobile app for trading physical coins. Honscha had previously included a Coinbase affiliate link, earning referral commissions.
Breach of Affiliate Agreement
The lawsuit claims that Honscha violated the affiliate agreement by incorporating the company's trademark into the domain name. The agreement explicitly prohibits the use of the words 'Coinbase' or 'Coin Base' in domain names.
Domain Used for Fraudulent Activities
Coinbase asserts that the domain was used to redirect users to unrelated services and even operate an email service under the @coinbase.de address. The exchange fears this could mislead users.
Coinbase is requesting the court to stop Honscha from using its name, transfer ownership of the domain to the company, and award damages for alleged violations.
