Battle over 'sandwich' domain name

**Dave Zan** · 06-09-2005, 09:42 AM

http://news.webindia123.com/news/sho...6966&cat=World

Battle over 'sandwich' domain name
CAPE COD, Mass. | June 09, 2005 2:11:53 AM IST

A Massachusetts innkeeper and a British-based business owned by descendants of the Earl of Sandwich, are battling over an Internet domain name.

Brian Clifford, innkeeper at The Earl of Sandwich Motel has been accused of cybersquatting by the sandwich company owned by descendants of the original Earl of Sandwich, the Cape Cod Times reported Wednesday.

Clifford says he purchased the the Internet domain name in the mid-1990s and his Web site has become an integral part of his $250,000-per-year business.

However, Gary Davis, chief executive officer of Earl of Sandwich, says the company that sells pre-packaged sandwiches to shops and restaurants in England has plans to franchise in the United States.

The sandwich company would prefer if Clifford would adopt a new Web address -- earlofsandwichmotel.com.

Clifford has consulted a lawyer who said he had a strong case to keep the domain name, but said a legal battle could be lengthy and cost $2,500 to $50,000 with no guarantees.

At first I couldn't understand what the domain is...until I searched for the
Massachusetts inkeeper and found the name in question: earlofsandwich.com.

He should be able to keep it, I'm sure. But it's a legal hassle.