The US Forum for Alternative Dispute Resolution has issued a decision on a complaint lodged under the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) regarding the domain Playboy.ai. As anticipated, the complaint was filed by Playboy Enterprises International, Inc., the renowned publisher of the iconic magazine. Although the company has faced challenges recently, including the suspension of its print edition since 2020, it remains vigilant in protecting its intellectual property rights.
Initially, Playboy Enterprises International, Inc. sought an amicable resolution by proposing to purchase the domain from the Chinese registrant. However, the registrant demanded 10 million yuan (approximately $1.3 million) for the domain name, which was obviously unacceptable to Playboy Enterprises International, Inc., prompting the escalation of the case to the Forum.
According to Domain Name Wire, the registrant employed an unusual defense strategy, asserting that the word “playboy” translates into Chinese as 玩耍的男孩子, meaning “playing boy.” The registrant claimed the domain was intended for a future internet project focused on children's games and explained the high asking price as a deterrent to potential buyers, as he did not intend to sell the domain.
These explanations did not persuade Panelist David L. Kreider, particularly given the registrant's inability to provide evidence of any development related to the proposed children's project. Meanwhile, the infringement on Playboy's intellectual property rights was evident. Consequently, the Panelist ruled in favor of transferring the management rights of the Playboy.ai domain to Playboy Enterprises International, Inc.
