StraightMen.com Opposes Attempt to Trademark 'Men.com'

StraightMen.com Opposes Attempt to Trademark 'Men.com'

BOSTON — OLB Media today said it will fight an attempt by MindGeek to trademark the term “Men.com” after receiving a copyright infringement claim from the adult entertainment conglomerate.

In May, after submitting a trademark application for the term “Men.com,” MindGeek sent a letter demanding that OLB Media, owner of StraightMen.com, cease and desist using the word “men” in its own website domain name.

MindGeek, in the letter, claimed that the site now infringed on its mark. The company also demanded that OLB Media surrender the domain StraightMen.com to Mindgeek.

“This is a shocking claim with wide-ranging implications for the adult businesses,” said Adam Segel, CEO of OLB Media. “We cannot allow a single corporation to trademark a word used in thousands of adult websites.

“If MindGeek is successful, this could allow them to demand the handover of any adult site that uses the term, positioning them to take over a large swath of the gay adult industry.”

The word “men” is one of the most commonly used words used in gay adult domains.

MindGeek registered “Men.com” for trademark protection in three classes for video-on-demand services and broadcasting.

OLB Media said it originally reached out to MindGeek via email in early June, assuming the cease-and-desist letter over the use of the word “men” was merely a misunderstanding.

But MindGeek has refused to respond to the company or pull its application for Men.com.

As a result, OLB Media has formally opposed the trademark application.

Industry attorney Karen Tynan, attorney for OLB Media, said that, “We have to stand up to MindGeek. We don’t know how many other sites they have contacted with similar threats, or how many will follow if the mark is granted.” 

Catherine Dunn, a spokeswoman for MindGeek, told XBIZ that the company was not aware of any administrative proceedings against the company.

Related:  

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

MojoHost Reaffirms Commitment to Adult Industry Amid Project 2025 Implications

In the wake of Tuesday's election and amid concerns about the possible ramifications for the adult industry, MojoHost President Brad Mitchell has releases a statement addressing Project 2025 and the future of the industy.

Adult Web Hosting Service 'Midnight-Host' Launches

Midnight-Host, a new web hosting service designed specifically for adult websites, has launched.

ASN Lifestyle Magazine Joins Pineapple Support as Media Sponsor

ASN Lifestyle Magazine has joined the ranks of over 60 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support, partnering with the organization as a media sponsor.

Adult Industry Reacts to Trump Victory

On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump was reelected, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris to reclaim the office he lost four years ago.

Fetisfy Online Fetish Marketplace Launches

Fetisfy.com, an online marketplace for users to sell fetish items, has launched.

Pineapple Support Launches 'Spill the Tea, Colombia' Community Support Event Series

Pineapple Support has launched "Spill the Tea, Colombia," a monthly, in-person community support event for adult industry professionals.

Streamster Launches 'Tip2Peep' Camera-Switching Feature

Live-streaming software provider Streamster has launched Tip2Peep, a new feature that allows viewers to switch between multiple webcam viewing angles by tipping the creator.

Tyler Wu Guests on Chaturbate's 'Sex Tales' Podcast

Tyler Wu is the latest guest on Chaturbate’s “Sex Tales” podcast, hosted by Melissa Stratton and Vanniall on the company’s “Camming Life” YouTube channel.

Fleshy to Launch Interactive Cam Site 'Eromote'

Male pleasure brand Fleshy has announced that it will launch an interactive, bidirectional cam site next month called Eromote.

XBIZ LA Show Introduces New 'Crib Crawl' Feature

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the 2025 edition of its flagship conference, the XBIZ Show, will debut a brand-new feature: Crib Crawl, offering attendees the chance to meet and greet representatives from leading brands and organizations in dedicated suites at the host venue.

Show More