According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) website, the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center has transferred the rights to the domain AniLorak.com to Russian-Ukrainian pop singer Ani Lorak (real name Karolina Kuiek). Prior to this, the domain was owned by a US citizen.
In late 2024, the singer, through her lawyers at the Internet & Law firm, filed a request with international arbitrators to protect her personal brand. A panel of three judges reviewed the case and ultimately ruled in favor of the singer.
The decision from the WIPO Arbitration Center reveals that the domain administrator initially offered to transfer the domain to the singer for $100,000, and during the proceedings, the defendant’s lawyer suggested a price of $20,000. The plaintiff argued that they hold rights to an unregistered trademark, while claiming that the defendant has no legitimate connection to the AniLorak brand and is merely using it to extort the singer.
After reviewing the evidence, the judges concluded that the name Ani Lorak has been associated with the stage since 1995. The plaintiff successfully demonstrated their rights to the domain name and the unfair use of it by the American defendant. Consequently, the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center ruled in favor of transferring the domain AniLorak.com to Karolina Kuiek.
Anton Sergo, head of the Internet & Law company, confirmed his involvement in the case but declined to provide further comments.
