People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals V. Doughney

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals v. Doughney, 263 F.3d 359 (4th Cir. 2001), was an important Internet trademark decision by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

Michael Doughney registered the domain name peta.org in 1995 and created a website called "People Eating Tasty Animals". The site described itself as "a resource for those who enjoy eating meat, wearing fur and leather, hunting and the fruits of scientific research". People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) sued Doughney, alleging trademark infringement, trademark dilution and cybersquatting. The case was initially heard in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, and both parties cross-appealed. The circuit court affirmed the district's court ruling, which had granted summary judgment to PETA. However, the court denied PETA's cross-appeal for attorney's fees and costs, because it held that Doughney's action was not malicious.

Read more about People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals V. Doughney:  Background, Accusation of Trademark Infringement/unfair Competition, Accusation of Cybersquatting, Ineligible For Compensation

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