Exploring the WIPO Case D2017-0679: Knud Jepsen A/S vs. Rick Schwartz, Virtual Dates Inc

The WIPO domain name dispute case D2017-0679 involved a conflict over the domain name “queen.com”. The complainant, Knud Jepsen A/S from Denmark, specialized in growing Kalanchoe plants, while the respondent, Rick Schwartz of Virtual Dates Inc from the United States, was in the domain name trading business. The case was decided by a panel consisting of Hub J. Harmeling, Evan D. Brown, and Adam Taylor on June 20, 2017.

Knud Jepsen A/S held various trademarks incorporating “QUEEN” and argued that the domain name was identical or confusingly similar to these marks. The respondent’s domain name had been used for redirecting to websites with adult content. The complainant contended that this domain name registration and use were in bad faith and tarnished their brand.

However, the panel found the complaint lacked substance. The domain name “queen.com” is a generic term and the panel did not find evidence that it was registered to exploit the complainant’s trademarks. The complaint was therefore denied, and the panel also concluded that it was brought in bad faith, constituting an abuse of the administrative proceeding. This case is considered a clear example of “Plan B” litigation, where a party resorts to legal action after failing to purchase a domain name at a desired price.

For more detailed information, please refer to the WIPO’s official case details here.

The WIPO domain name dispute case D2017-0679 involved a conflict over the domain name “queen.com”. The complainant, Knud Jepsen A/S from Denmark, specialized in growing Kalanchoe plants, while the respondent, Rick Schwartz of Virtual Dates Inc from the United States, was in the domain name trading business. The case was decided by a panel consisting…