Coinbase Sues German Owner of Coinbase.de for Cybersquatting

- Coinbase files a lawsuit against German national Tobias Honscha for alleged cybersquatting. - Honscha is accused of using the "coinbase.de" domain in bad faith to exploit the company's brand. On July 28, 2025, Cointelegraph reported that leading cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase filed a lawsuit against Tobias Honscha in a California federal court. The suit accuses the German national of cybersquatting and misusing the domain "coinbase.de," alleging he registered it in bad faith to capitalize on the company's brand reputation and redirect users for personal gain. The legal filing outlines several accusations against Honscha, stating that he initially used the domain to redirect visitors to an app for trading physical coins. He also allegedly used it to generate earnings through affiliate links, which the company claims violated its affiliate agreement. Furthermore, Coinbase contends that Honscha tried to pressure the company into buying the domain at an inflated price by highlighting potential risks, such as phishing attacks and fraud, if the domain remained under his control. After Coinbase reportedly asked Honscha to stop using the domain for affiliate links, he allegedly changed its function, redirecting visitors to a forum for physical coins. The lawsuit also accuses Honscha of running an email service with the "@coinbase.de" domain, which could have misled people into believing they were communicating with the official company. Basing its legal claim on the Anti-Cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act of 1999 and an alleged breach of contract, Coinbase seeks financial damages and any profits Honscha earned through the domain. The company also demands a court order to transfer ownership of "coinbase.de."