Protecting Domain Investors & The Domain Name Industry
We are proud to announce that the World Intellectual Property Organization Arbitration and Mediation Center (WIPO Center) and the Internet Commerce Association (ICA) have successfully completed their collaborative project reviewing the UDRP. You can read the Final Report here. This initiative was driven by a robust international process that included nearly a dozen consultations with industry leaders, legal experts, and …
Panel: Complainant Cited “Nonexistent Cases” Resulting in “Suite of Massive and Misleading Errors” It is well-established that a Respondent need not expressly make a request for RDNH in order for a Panel to consider the issue sui sponte. Indeed, as noted in UDRP Perspectives at 4.1, a Panel will not have satisfactorily discharged its duty under the UDRP without an …
We’re excited to share that GoDaddy, one of our Platinum members, is extending an exclusive offer to its Domain Discount Club (DDC) members: $100 off a new ICA membership for the first year. This promotion is available to new members only and applies to annual individual and associate memberships. In addition, new individual ICA members also receive a 50% discount …
Rapper Tried to ‘Reverse Hijack’ Domain Name This case contains several notable aspects. The Panel provides us with a helpful reminder of what the WIPO Overview says about “Rights and Legitimate Interest”: WIPO Overview 3.0, section 2.10.2 indicates that “For a respondent to have rights or legitimate interests in a domain name comprising an acronym, the respondent’s evidence supporting its …
What Actually Constitutes a Prima Facie Case? The Panel made the clear and unequivocal statement that, “If a domain name is legitimately held the registrant can ask whatever price it likes for it”. This is correct and is consistent with UDRP Perspectives at 3.5 (“Setting a Price and Offering for Sale”; “If a Respondent has a legitimate interest in a …
The ICA Trailblazer Award shines a spotlight on the innovators shaping the future of the domain name industry. It celebrates individuals and companies whose creativity, vision, and leadership are transforming how domains are developed, managed, and used. After honoring Darpan Munjal and Atom.com with the inaugural award last year, we’re thrilled to continue the tradition of recognizing groundbreaking contributions. The …
Each year, the Lonnie Borck Memorial Award honors an individual whose generosity, integrity, and commitment to community embody the spirit of the late Lonnie Borck. The award recognizes those who have made exceptional contributions to fostering connection, understanding, and goodwill within the domain name industry. You’ll learn more about the award and its past recipients here. We’re proud to share …
Panel: ‘Complainant Should Pay Respondent’s Costs’ Notably, the Panel stated that “if there were a provision in the Policy authorizing the award of costs to a prevailing Respondent, the Panel would be inclined to so order in this case, but there is no such provision in the Policy.” The Panel however, went on to clarify that it “does not intend …
Respondent Cannot Rely Upon Previous Registrant’s Rights Sometimes a Respondent will make an argument that is meritless but nevertheless requires attention by the Panelist. Such was the case here, where the Respondent alleged that the Complaint was a “refiled case” despite the fact that the prior case was brought against the previous registrant. As the Panel noted however, “although the …
Good news — we’re extending the nomination period for both the Trailblazer Award and the Lonnie Borck Memorial Award (LBMA) until Saturday, November 8th to give everyone a bit more time after a busy conference travel season. These awards recognize excellence and leadership across our industry: Lonnie Borck Memorial Award Trailblazer Award A big thank you to everyone who has already submitted nominations — we truly appreciate the …
