Exploring WIPO Case D2019-1806: Tox Pressotechnik GmbH & Co. KG vs. TFourth LLC

In the WIPO Case No. D2019-1806, Tox Pressotechnik GmbH & Co. KG, a German company, filed a complaint against TFourth, LLC, over the domain name . The complaint was filed in September 2022.

Tox Pressotechnik, a manufacturer of industrial tools, holds several TOX trademarks. They argued that the domain name, registered by TFourth LLC in 2001, was identical to their trademark. Tox Pressotechnik engaged in discussions to buy the domain but could not agree on a price with TFourth LLC.

TFourth LLC, in response, stated that they had no prior knowledge of Tox Pressotechnik and its trademark when registering the domain name. They emphasized that the domain name, based on a common term, had value independent of the complainant’s trademark. The domain name had been used for pay-per-click advertising related to toxicology, not targeting Tox Pressotechnik’s industry.

The WIPO panel concluded that Tox Pressotechnik did not prove the domain name was registered in bad faith. The complaint was denied, and the panel found that the complainant had brought the complaint in bad faith, constituting an attempt at Reverse Domain Name Hijacking.

This case underscores the complexity of domain name disputes involving generic terms and the importance of proving bad faith in domain name registrations.

For more detailed information on this case, you can refer to the full decision on the EUDRP website.

In the WIPO Case No. D2019-1806, Tox Pressotechnik GmbH & Co. KG, a German company, filed a complaint against TFourth, LLC, over the domain name . The complaint was filed in September 2022. Tox Pressotechnik, a manufacturer of industrial tools, holds several TOX trademarks. They argued that the domain name, registered by TFourth LLC in…