I. The disputed domain name is confusingly similar to the Complainant's trademark
The Panel finds that the disputed domain name <outfrontsjcdecaux.com> is confusingly similar to the Complainant’s JCDECAUX trademark. The disputed domain name fully incorporates the JCDECAUX trademark of the Complainant, albeit with the addition of the terms "OUT FRONTS".
The Complainant rightfully contends that the addition of "OUT FRONTS" is not sufficient to escape the finding that the disputed domain name is confusingly similar to the Complainant's JCDECAUX trademark.
II. The Complainant has, to the satisfaction of the Panel, shown the Respondent to have no rights or legitimate interests in respect of the disputed domain name.
The Panel notes that the Complainant has never granted the Respondent any license or authorization to use the JCDECAUX trademark for the disputed domain name, nor is the Respondent affiliated to the Complainant in any way.
The Panel notes that the Respondent’s identity is shielded and that the disputed domain name directs to a webpage that is under construction. The Respondent has not by virtue of the content of the website, nor by its use of the disputed domain name shown that it will be used in connection with a bona fide offering of goods or services.
Therefore, the Panel finds that the Complainant has shown that the Respondent has not made legitimate use of the disputed domain name for a bona fide offering of goods or services.
In lack of any Response from the Respondent, or any other information indicating the contrary, the Panel concludes that the Respondent has no rights or legitimate interests in respect of the disputed domain name.
III. The Complainant has, to the satisfaction of the Panel, shown that the disputed domain name was registered and is being used in bad faith
The Complainant contends that its JCDECAUX trademark is well-known and that, given the distinctiveness of the Complainant's trademarks in general and given its reputation, the Respondent likely had full knowledge of the Complainant's JCDECAUX trademark at the time of the registration of the disputed domain name.
In addition to the above mentioned non-contested facts, the fact that the disputed domain name is merely used to attract internet users for commercial gain by creating a likelihood of confusion with the Complainant and the failure of the Respondent to respond and hence to present a credible evidence-backed rationale for registering and using the disputed domain name, plus the fact that the Respondent conceals its identity, show that the Respondent has registered and used the disputed domain name in bad faith.
In lack of any Response from the Respondent, or any other information indicating the contrary, the Panel concludes that the Respondent has registered and used the disputed domain name in bad faith.
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