Oracle Software Giant Sues Crypto Startup ‘CryptoOracle’ For Trademark Breach

The practice of adding popular brand names to the name of a startup is a method used to attract clients to a business. The blockchain industry has seen this practice several times over with startups adding popular words such as Bitcoin and Blockchain to their names in a bid to lure customers. Some startups even use parts of popular companies’ names for the same purposes.

CryptoOracle has taken to Court

One blockchain startup, CryptoOracle, has been sued by the software giant, Oracle, for cybersquatting and trademark infringement. The lawsuit claims that CryptoOracle LLC used Oracle’s brand name in a bid to ride on the popularity of the software giant. Cybersquatting is the practice of using an internet domain name in bad faith with the intention of profiting from the goodwill built by another brand or trademark.

CryptoOracle was founded by Louis Kerner in 2017. The blockchain startup is a cryptocurrency advisory firm which serves other blockchain startups and entrepreneurs in the industry. The company sells tickets to events they host at which those interested in blockchain businesses can get the information they need and meet with other players in the crypto space.

Oracle is one of the biggest software firms, and it is famously known for the Java software. They also provide a range of services such as database management and cloud services. Oracle hosts many conferences and educational seminars for different software categories and topics.

Before the lawsuit, a cease and desist order had been issued to Kerner and his brand as Oracle sought to settle the matter out of court. CryptoOracle responded with a filled-in trademark application for their brand name. Oracle said that they could not allow the use of their brand name in the defendant’s business.

A request to force CryptoOracle to change its brand name and withdraw the trademark application has been placed before a federal judge. Oracle's attorney reportedly said that his client might be entitled to the profits CryptoOracle made during the time they’ve been using the name.

Oracle and Blockchain

Oracle has plans to move into the crypto business through its Oracle Blockchain Platform, and this may be another reason behind the lawsuit. If another company with a similar brand name already exists in the crypto space, it might cause confusion among customers because it is easy to mistake one for the other. Such confusion could cost Oracle some business and the software giant is trying to avoid that.