Case Number: D2022-2222
Complainant: Boller, Winkler AG
Represented by: Wild Schnyder AG
A Swiss textile concern, Boller, Winkler AG, has been found guilty of Reverse Domain Name Hijacking after using the UDRP process to transfer the personal domain schlossberg.com from its owner, Craig Schlossberg, who resides in the United States. Panelist John Swinson of the World Intellectual Property Organization found the UDRP a “clear case of RDNH”, observing that the domain corresponds directly with the name of the owner, who bought the domain in 1996.
Swinson further noted the UDRP was filed after Boller, Winkler AG attempted to purchase the domain from Mr. Schlossberg for a mere $1,500, an offer Mr. Schlossberg rejected. “The Complainant tried to buy the disputed domain name from the Respondent, and was unsuccessful,” Swinson wrote. “At that time, the Complainant knew the weakness of its position because the disputed domain name corresponded to Mr. Schlossberg’s name.”
The panel handed up its ruling on August 9, 2022.
Source: https://www.wipo.int/amc/en/domains/decisions/pdf/2022/d2022-2222.pdf