Detailed Overview of WIPO Domain Name Dispute Case D2017-1517: Weeds, Inc. v. Registration Private, Domains By Proxy, LLC / Innovation HQ, Inc.

In the WIPO domain name dispute case D2017-1517, the complainant was Weeds, Inc., a corporation specializing in industrial and commercial weed control based in Aston, Pennsylvania, USA. They contested the domain name weeds.com, which was registered with GoDaddy.com, LLC. The respondent in this case was Registration Private, Domains By Proxy, LLC of Scottsdale, Arizona, USA / Innovation HQ, Inc. of St Johns, Antigua and Barbuda.

Weeds, Inc. claimed rights to the WEEDS trademark, arguing that the domain name was identical to their registered mark and that the respondent had no legitimate interest in it. They alleged that the domain name’s registration and use were in bad faith, aimed at extracting profit through unlawful brokering, sale, or auction.

The respondent countered these claims by emphasizing their legitimate interest in the domain name, which is a common and well-known dictionary word. They highlighted that their business involved investing in generic and descriptive domain names for resale and development, a practice recognized as legitimate under the UDRP policy.

The WIPO panel concluded that Weeds, Inc. had failed to demonstrate that the respondent registered or used the domain name in bad faith. The decision emphasized that the respondent’s business model of dealing with generic domain names and the lack of evidence showing targeting of Weeds, Inc.’s trademark rights negated the claim of bad faith registration and use. Consequently, the complaint was denied, and the case was determined as an instance of reverse domain name hijacking by Weeds, Inc​​.

In the WIPO domain name dispute case D2017-1517, the complainant was Weeds, Inc., a corporation specializing in industrial and commercial weed control based in Aston, Pennsylvania, USA. They contested the domain name weeds.com, which was registered with GoDaddy.com, LLC. The respondent in this case was Registration Private, Domains By Proxy, LLC of Scottsdale, Arizona, USA…