Modz v. He Ming Huang: A Detailed Analysis of WIPO Case D2017-2008

In WIPO case D2017-2008, Modz, a French online fashion retailer, filed a complaint against He Ming Huang over the domain name “modz.com.” Modz claimed rights in the term based on its French trademark, asserting the domain was identical and used in bad faith. However, Huang, a professional poker player from the United States, demonstrated legitimate interests in the domain, which was registered in 1998 and used in relation to gaming and computer modifications, a common industry use of the term “modz.” The Panel concluded that Modz failed to prove bad faith registration or use by Huang, leading to the denial of the complaint. Additionally, Modz was found guilty of Reverse Domain Name Hijacking, having omitted key information regarding prior negotiations for the domain and overreaching in its claims of trademark rights.

For more information, you can read the full case decision on WIPO’s website.

In WIPO case D2017-2008, Modz, a French online fashion retailer, filed a complaint against He Ming Huang over the domain name “modz.com.” Modz claimed rights in the term based on its French trademark, asserting the domain was identical and used in bad faith. However, Huang, a professional poker player from the United States, demonstrated legitimate…