I noticed an interesting UDRP filing I want to share with you. John P. Cusack filed a UDRP against JohnCusack.com. The UDRP was filed at the World Intellectual Property Organization, and it is WIPO Case D2016-1460.
I presume the UDRP was filed by the American actor John Cusack, although this is not confirmed. The JohnCusack.com domain name has a registration date of April 13, 2003, and the domain name is currently registered under privacy, so I am unsure of who owns the domain name. At the present time, the domain name is parked, and there is a link at the top of the landing page that says “The domain johncusack.com may be for sale by its owner!”
Here is where things get a bit interesting. When I clicked the link, I was taken to a landing page announcing that the domain name is for sale for just $1,500. You can have a look at the landing page here:
The reason I find this interesting is that the filing fee for a UDRP at WIPO is also $1,500. When you add in legal fees (assuming an attorney filed on behalf of the complainant), the cost would appear to be higher than simply buying the domain name. In addition, although it seems like the complainant (assuming it is the actor) has a good shot at winning the UDRP, there is a possibility that the respondent will defend this domain name and has a chance at winning. From a strictly financial perspective, it seems like buying the domain name would make more sense since the cost is likely lower and there isn’t the uncertainty of a UDRP decision.
That said, it is possible that the complainant did not click through to the sale landing page to know that the price is $1,500, or the price may have changed since the UDRP filing. It is also possible that the complainant would rather pay for a UDRP filing and legal fees than give money to the domain owner. I suppose we will need to wait and see what transpired and why a UDRP was filed once a decision is rendered.
Update: According to UDRPSearch.com, the panel has decided for the complainant. The decision has not yet been posted.
Although I guess there are many “John Cusack” in the US and maybe elsewhere, generally speaking, targeting celebrities names IMHO is always a big NO NO …
Just think that recently I’ve noticed that GigiHadid.com and BellaHadid.com (I’m sure you know who Gigi and Bella Hadid are 🙂 ) were let expire, I guess by mistake, by their mother’s (Yolanda) managing company, and someone caught them … now both names are under privacy … lol …
Some people never learn … 😀
Assuming it is the actor who filed this UDRP, why do you think they went the UDRP route rather than just buying the name for the current asking price?
Elliot,
Probably he was ill-advised by his attorneys, who I guess are interested in getting some fees 🙂
I mean, IMHO it would be weird if they did not click through to know what the price is …
Have you visited johnstamos.com since the UDRP transfer? After waiting 20 years, he finally plasters his image on the homepage. Look it’s Stamos standing in bathroom staring at himself in the mirror!
Nice report and analysis, Elliot.