Tesla has earned a major legal victory. The company successfully reclaimed 52 domain names associated with bitcoin schemes. These websites used the company name and CEO Elon Musk’s identity to mislead visitors. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) issued the verdict on May 27. The domains contained phrases such as « bitcoin, » « bonus, » « 2x, » « Musk, » and even « Trump. » They were made to resemble official promotions. Some of them even featured the emblem and Musk’s visage. One fraudulent portal claimed to double any cryptocurrency delivered to a specified wallet address.
This strategy isn’t new. Scammers have frequently utilized Elon Musk’s name to deceive investors. They counted on his close ties to cryptocurrency and his enormous fan base in the tech world.
“Manifestly in Bad Faith”
William A. Van Caenegem, a WIPO panelist, identified that the deception was apparent. He claimed the domains were registered and used « manifestly in bad faith. » He cited the enormous number of domains and the frequent misuse of Tesla’s brand. The scammer was identified as Ekaterina Tkachenko, a native of Russia. She didn’t reply to the allegation.
All 52 domains have been officially transferred to Tesla. This measure prohibits scammers from reusing the domains. Despite the fact that browsers and antivirus software had previously disabled most fraudulent sites, Tesla initiated legal action to establish permanent control. This is part of a larger strategy. Tesla wishes to safeguard its digital presence and prevent the misuse of its identity in cryptocurrency-related fraud.
Not Tesla’s First Domain Dispute
The company has previously dealt with similar challenges. In late 2024, it filed a case against teslaunch.net, a Chinese website. That website sold third-party accessories for vehicles.
However, WIPO panelist Steven M. Levy decided against Tesla in that case. He stated that the website’s actions did not reflect bad faith. Selling compatible accessories does not automatically qualify as cybersquatting. The judges did, however, note that Tesla might sue for trademark violation.
This type of fraud is not limited to Russia. The United States recently sanctioned a technology corporation based in the Philippines. It is suspected of selling hundreds of domains to cryptocurrency scammers. Victims in the United States have lost more than $200 million due to these scams. The strategy is common: register several domain names that appear trustworthy, then switch to a new one when the others are removed.
The legal victory signifies a step forward in protecting internet users. It also exposes how far scammers would go to exploit reputable companies. As cybercrime spreads, firms are fighting back, one domain at a time.
