Panel Finds RDNH Against French Bank for Second Time This was the second time that this Complainant was found to have engaged in RDNH with respect to a four-letter acronym domain name. The first time was covered in our Digest here. The first case involved (Respondent represented by Ankur Raheja, our Editor-in-Chief), whereas the present case involved (represented by author, …
ICA AMA with GoDaddy’s “Broker Tom” Tom McCarthy
Inside High-Value Domain Deals: An AMA with GoDaddy’s Tom McCarthy Premium domain names have become far more than marketing tools. For founders, corporate buyers, and investors, they’re increasingly viewed as long-term brand assets that can shape credibility, clarity, and brand strength from day one. As part of the Internet Commerce Association’s ongoing AMA series, we’re hosting a conversation that goes …
Panel: Complainant Needed Evidence of Targeting Considering Dictionary Meaning of “Etihad” – vol. 6.5
Panel: Complainant Needed Evidence of Targeting Considering Dictionary Meaning of “Etihad” Though perhaps initially a surprising outcome, the Panel provided a compelling explanation of its determination that there was no basis for finding targeting of the Complainant’s trademark given the dictionary meaning of the transliterated word, Etihad, and given its common use amongst third parties in various industries. Despite the …
Reflections On The Refiling Of A Complaint by Gerald Levine
REFLECTIONS ON THE REFILING OF A COMPLAINT February 2, 2026 Gerald Levine, Special Guest Columnist Gerald M. Levine, Esq. is a UDRP Panelist and counsel, and is the author of the Domain Name Arbitration, A Practical Guide to Asserting and Defending Claims of Cybersquatting (2019) and The Clash of Trademarks and and Domain Names on the Internet (2024). He also has an …
Panel: Filing an Unsatisfactory Complaint “Has Consequences” – No Refiling Absent Highly Limited Circumstances – vol. 6.4
Panel: Filing an Unsatisfactory Complaint “Has Consequences” – No Refiling Absent Highly Limited Circumstances The present case follows an earlier case brought in connection with the very same domain name. Essentially the Complainant alleged that SMASHMUSIC was a typographical error of the Complainant’s trademark, SAM ASH MUSIC. The earlier decision decided on December 10, 2025 was justifiably critical of the …
ICA Annual Member Meeting 2026: A Look Back at Our Time in Las Vegas
Thanks to all the members who attended our 2026 annual meeting for making it such a special event! It was great to see everyone in Las Vegas this January, and the energy throughout the week really highlighted what makes this community unique. Held January 15–17 at Park MGM, the meeting benefited from a smaller, more integrated venue. The layout made …
Panel: Investing in Potentially Brandable Domain Names to Resell at Higher Price Can Constitute Legitimate Interest – vol. 6.3
Panel: Investing in Potentially Brandable Domain Names to Resell at Higher Price Can Constitute Legitimate Interest There is no requirement that a Complainant’s trademark be particularly well-known but this factor nevertheless can play an important role, as it did here. The Panel found that the Complainant “failed to substantiate its claim of being well-known” but this did not matter per …
KPOP DEMON HUNTERS Acquired Common Law Rights Within 3 Days of Use – vol. 6.2
KPOP DEMON HUNTERS Acquired Common Law Rights Within 3 Days of Use This is a great example of how the UDRP treats nascent trademark rights. Here, it was clearly not a coincidence that a guy registered KPOP DEMON HUNTERS three days after the Complainant commenced use of the mark. Acquiring common law rights, in the traditional trademark law sense, within …
Respondent Offered to Transfer Domains for $50.20 – vol 6.1
Respondent Offered to Transfer Domains for $50.20 This case highlights how the UDRP is not intended to be a trademark court. Its mandate is strictly limited to resolving cases where a domain name was registered in bad faith, i.e. targeting of a trademark owner’s mark and goodwill. Cases which involve a determination of who has “better” rights or whether trademark …
ICA 2025: A Year of Impact
As we wrap up the year, we wanted to take a moment to look back at what 2025 looked like for the ICA – and thanks to all of you, it was a busy and meaningful one. Here’s a snapshot of what we accomplished together this year, along with a bit of context on why this work matters. Advocacy & …