Eminem has won a cybersquatting case against a British firm found to be misusing the rap star's trademark on an Internet site selling mobile phone ringtones and picture messages, a United Nations agency said this afternoon.
The ruling was announced by the UN's World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). The WIPO had named an arbitrator to examine his complaint against Tim Mcintosh and Visitair, which registered the domain name eminemmobile.com a year ago.
Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers III, objected to his trademark name and hit songs including "Real Slim Shady" and "Stan" appearing on the site, which carries a disclaimer that it is unofficial and in no way connected with the five-time Grammy Award winner, according to the ruling.
But Canadian arbitrator Mr Nelson Landry found the domain name had been registered in bad faith and that Mcintosh and Visitair had no legitimate rights or interest.
The domain name is automatically transferred to Eminem within 10 days unless the
loser launches a court case challenging the decision.
The Detroit native is the first rap star to use WIPO's fast-track low-cost procedure, joining other singers including Madonna, Celine Dion and Robbie Williams who have won decisions.