Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. has secured a decisive legal victory in one of the most high-profile domain disputes in recent years, officially obtaining control of the premium domain name Lambo.com after a prolonged battle over trademark rights and cybersquatting violations.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has upheld a lower-court decision ordering the transfer of the domain to Lamborghini, concluding that the former registrant acquired and attempted to sell the domain “in bad faith” — including listing it for an astonishing $75 million. With the appeal now resolved, the transfer of Lambo.com to Lamborghini is final.
This ruling marks a major milestone in global trademark enforcement and sets a powerful precedent for luxury brands protecting their digital identities.
A Multi-Year Legal Dispute Reaches Its Conclusion
The dispute traces back to 2022, when Lamborghini filed a UDRP complaint asserting that “Lambo” — a widely used shorthand for Lamborghini and deeply associated with the brand — was being exploited through an illegitimate domain registration.
Key findings from the courts include:
- The domain holder had no legitimate reason for owning the name “Lambo” prior to acquiring the domain.
- Evidence showed he sought to capitalize on Lamborghini’s global fame by offering the domain for resale at an inflated multimillion-dollar valuation.
- Courts determined the registration violated the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act (ACPA) due to clear intent to profit from the automaker’s well-established trademark.
The Ninth Circuit’s final ruling reaffirmed earlier decisions and rejected all remaining arguments from the domain owner, paving the way for the transfer to Lamborghini.
Protecting Brand Integrity in the Digital Era
For Lamborghini — one of the world’s most iconic luxury automotive brands — securing Lambo.com solidifies its digital footprint and prevents third-party misuse of a name synonymous with the company’s identity.
The decision has broader implications:
✔ Strengthens global trademark protections
Major brands increasingly face domain speculation targeting abbreviations, nicknames, and short-form identities. This ruling reinforces that such practices will not withstand legal scrutiny.
✔ Deterrent against cybersquatting & domain ransom attempts
The $75M sale attempt became a symbol of extreme domain speculation. The court’s rejection sends a strong message to would-be domain profiteers.
✔ Ensures consumer trust & online authenticity
By securing Lambo.com, Lamborghini can eliminate confusion, protect customers, and maintain control of how its brand appears across digital channels.
A Lamborghini spokesperson emphasized the significance of the decision:
“Our brand is more than a name — it is a legacy. Securing Lambo.com ensures the Lamborghini identity remains protected, authentic, and exclusively ours.”
A Precedent-Setting Victory for Global Brands
Legal analysts note that this case is one of the most consequential domain disputes in recent years. While cybersquatting cases are common, few involve such a high-value domain, a globally famous trademark, and an attempted multimillion-dollar sale.
By prevailing at both the district court and the Ninth Circuit, Lamborghini has strengthened:
- The legal foundation for protecting short-form naming conventions
- The enforceability of the ACPA
- Expectations for good-faith domain registration worldwide
For marketers, legal teams, and brand-protection specialists, the case provides a clear reference point for future disputes involving nickname domains, high-value marks, and speculative registrations.
What Comes Next
With the ruling now final:
- Lambo.com will redirect under Lamborghini’s ownership, becoming an asset for future brand, marketing, or digital initiatives.
- The company is expected to integrate the domain into its broader digital strategy, leveraging its high recognition and SEO value.
- The decision may shape how other luxury and global brands pursue cybersquatting cases going forward.
Sources
- Domain Name Wire — “Lamborghini gets control of Lambo.com domain name”
https://domainnamewire.com/2025/12/01/lamborghini-gets-control-of-lambo-com-domain-name/ - Domain Name Wire — Appeals & UDRP case background
https://domainnamewire.com/2024/11/11/lambo-com-domain-owner-appeals-court-loss-to-automobili-lamborghini/ - The Fashion Law — “How Lamborghini Won Lambo.com”
https://www.thefashionlaw.com/how-lamborghini-won-lambo-com-fame-bad-faith-a-75m-listin/ - Domainers Magazine — Court’s affirmation of transfer
https://domainersmagazine.com/index.php/2024/10/17/court-affirms-decision-that-lambo-com-should-be-transferred-to-lamborghini/
