.ae Domain Disputes – WIPO Cases & Decisions for 2024

The UDRP is a legal framework for resolving disputes between domain name registrants and third party trademark owners over abusive registration and use of Internet domain names in gTLDs (e.g., .COM, .NET, .AE, .QA, etc) and ccTLDs that have adopted the UDRP process globally. In the UAE, it is an integral part of the .ae domain name dispute resolution policy.

This article is about the state and history of all .ae domain name disputed that took place in 2024. There has been 19 UDRP disputes related to .ae domain names in 2024, here is the full list of decisions:

.ae cases: DAE2024-0001 – DAE2024-0199

Our comments on the .ae Domain Name Dispute / UDRP Cases for 2024

The .ae domain name dispute resolution procedure is administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) under the .ae Domain Administration’s policies (aeDA – part of TDRA of UAE). Although often referred to loosely as “UDRP” for practical comparison to other generic top-level domains, the .ae Dispute Resolution Policy (aeDRP) and accompanying Rules closely mirror the uniform principles of the UDRP. Key points include:

1. Filing a Complaint: A trademark holder (the Complainant) who believes a .ae domain name infringes on its rights may file a complaint with WIPO.
2. Grounds for Complaint: The Complainant must typically show:
   • The domain name is identical or confusingly similar to the Complainant’s trademark.
   • The Respondent has no rights or legitimate interests in the domain name.
   • The domain name was registered or is being used in bad faith.
3. Administrative Panel: WIPO appoints a single or three-member Panel to decide the case.
4. Remedies: If the Panel rules in favor of the Complainant, the usual remedy is transfer of the domain name to the Complainant. A Panel can also deny the complaint or, in exceptional circumstances, make other orders.
5. Implementation of Decision: Once a decision is rendered, the .ae registrar implements it unless a party initiates court action.

This streamlined process offers trademark owners a quicker, less costly alternative to court litigation for disputes specifically involving .ae domain names.

2024 WIPO case analysis for .ae Domain Name Decisions (DAE2024-0001 to DAE2024-0199)

Below is a summary of the first 19 published decisions in 2024. These decisions illustrate how brand owners—from hospitality and technology to consumer products—continue to use the .ae dispute mechanism to protect their trademark rights.

1. Overall Outcomes
   • Transfers: Most successful Complainants secured a transfer order (14 cases).
   • Complaint Denied: In three instances, the Panel denied the complaint, meaning the Respondents retained the domain name – one of the most notable cases in our opinion is noon.ae due to significant brand’s popularity as the biggest competitor to Amazon in the region.
   • Terminated: Two cases were terminated before a final Panel ruling (often due to settlement or withdrawal).
2. High-Profile Brand Enforcement
   • JUUL Labs, Inc. was particularly active, filing multiple complaints against different respondents. JUUL’s arguments prevailed in every case, resulting in transfers for domain names such as juuluae.ae, juulpodsdubai.ae, juuldubai.ae, and juuldubaiuae.ae. This underscores consistent WIPO recognition of well-known trademark rights in vaping products.
   • Ricoh Company, Ltd., a global technology brand, obtained a transfer of ricoh.ae, demonstrating that well-established international trademarks can typically secure .ae domain names.
3. Hospitality & Services
   • Schloss HMA Private Limited prevailed with theleelahotel.ae. Hotel and hospitality groups frequently pursue domain squatters seeking to exploit famous hotel brands.
   • InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG) and Six Continents Limited succeeded with sixsensesmarina.ae. The decision indicates that hotel and resort names remain a prime target for brand misappropriation.
4. Denied Complaints
   • Descon Engineering Limited (DAE2024-0009) and 1141931 Ontario Inc., dba INKAS Group of Companies (DAE2024-0013) had their complaints denied, presumably because the Panel found either legitimate interest or insufficient evidence of bad faith.
   • Noon E Commerce Owned by Noon AD Holding One Person Company LLC (DAE2024-0019) also faced a denial in its complaint for noon.ae, suggesting either the Respondent demonstrated rights or the Complainant failed to establish key UDRP/aeDRP requirements.
5. Terminated Cases
   • Some disputes (e.g., DAE2024-0014 and DAE2024-0016) ended in termination, often reflecting a private settlement or a decision by the Complainant to withdraw after an arrangement with the Respondent.
6. Key Takeaways
   • Multiple Complaints, Same Brand: Brands such as JUUL launched multiple complaints—an indication that cybersquatters often register numerous variations of well-known marks.
   • Importance of Early Action: Swift filings once cybersquatting is detected generally lead to favorable outcomes for trademark holders. Delays can complicate proceedings and the quality of evidence.
   • Clear Trademark Rights: Panels heavily weigh proven trademark rights. A recognized international or local trademark drastically increases the likelihood of success.

As the data show, the WIPO dispute resolution system remains a critical enforcement tool for protecting trademarks in .ae domain names. While most rightful trademark owners succeed, the few denied complaints highlight that Panelists examine each case’s specific facts, including whether the Respondent can establish legitimate interests or whether the Complainant can adequately demonstrate bad faith registration and use.