In a recent legal development, Google has formally requested the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss the $150 million lawsuit brought by Nigerian plaintiff Chianugo Peter against both Google and GoDaddy.com.
The company, identified as the second defendant, filed a statement of defense on November 10, asserting that Peter’s claims are without merit, describing them as unmeritorious and unworthy of consideration.
At the core of the legal dispute is Peter’s claim that his YouTube Audio domain name was abruptly shut down after eight years of promotional and marketing efforts.
Google’s response challenges the legitimacy of Peter’s actions, contending that he did not act in good faith during the registration of the YOUTUBE AUDIO business name and the YouTubeAudio.com domain name.
Google emphasizes that Peter acknowledged Google’s rights and lacks a legitimate claim to use or register any mark similar to the ‘YOUTUBE’ trademark, of which Google is the international owner.
“The plaintiff does not own the YOUTUBE trademark nor has a bona fide claim to use or register any mark that incorporates or is similar to the YOUTUBE trademark,” Google stated in its defense.
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Peter’s legal claims include seeking a court declaration affirming his registration of the YouTube Audio business name and trademark registration on the associated logo. Additionally, he is pursuing $50 million in compensation for promotional and marketing works.
“The plaintiff is entitled to compensation from the defendants for the loss of the YouTubeAudio.com brand and goodwill which has accrued on the brand and domain name for eight years of promotional and marketing works,” reads court documents filed by Peter.
During the recent court session, GoDaddy, the co-defendant, had not made an appearance, leading to a delay in the proceedings. Google’s statement of defense was acknowledged, and an extension of time was granted for GoDaddy to regularize its processes.
“The second defendant is the international owner of the duly registered and famous ‘YOUTUBE’ word and ‘YOUTUBE GO’ logo trademarks in Nigeria and worldwide,” Google argued.
The court has adjourned the matter until February 12, 2024, and issued a hearing notice to GoDaddy. As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen how the court will weigh the arguments presented by Google and the plaintiff, shaping the direction of this $150 million lawsuit.
Techrectory with Agency Report.