AHNU.com Domain Name Dispute Dismissed, WIPO Experts Decide

Complainant: Deckers Outdoor Corporation

Respondent: Doman Manager (Brazil)

Disputed Domain Name: AHNU.com

Background and Case Summary

Deckers Outdoor Corporation is a prominent footwear design and distribution company based in California, USA. The company acquired the AHNU brand in 2009 and re-launched it in 2024, positioning it as a "super sneaker brand that goes beyond function".

The disputed domain name, AHNU.com, was originally owned and used by Deckers Outdoor Corporation, but expired in 2021. Subsequently, at a NameJet auction, Respondent purchased the domain name for $3,101 and redirected it to a for-sale page.

Deckers Outdoor Corporation argued that Respondent registered and used AHNU.com in bad faith in an attempt to capitalize on its goodwill and awareness of the AHNU brand.

Ruling

The Panel first recognizes that the disputed domain name AHNU.com is identical to the AHNU mark held by the Complainant and satisfies the first condition of the UDRP Policy. However, with respect to the second condition, the Panel finds that the Complainant has failed to sufficiently demonstrate that the Respondent has engaged in bad faith registration and use.

Although the registration and use of the disputed domain name shows some commercial purpose, such as sale, the Panel cannot conclude bad faith behavior in the absence of detailed evidence of bad faith intent.

In addition, the Panel has taken into account the fact that it is common for the disputed domain name AHNU.com, as a four-letter domain name, to have intrinsic commercial value after expiration. Therefore, even if the disputed domain name has a prior history of relevance to the Complainant, the Panel cannot conclude that the Respondent registered the domain name in bad faith.

Ultimately, the WIPO Panel ruled that the transfer of the disputed domain name AHNU.com to Complainant Deckers Outdoor Corporation is denied.

Source: domaingang