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The recently decided UDRP case of Manufacturas Muñoz S.A. Colombia v. Choi Sungyeon has Domainers up in arms…again. Domainer outcry is – once again – over a panelist’s commentary on whether a respondent’s asking price for a subject domain name was excessively above “fair market value.” I recently reported on the start of this potential new trend in the case of American Airlines, Inc. v. MegaWeb.com Inc.  

Although the panelist in the case of Manufacturas Muñoz denied transfer of the subject domain name to the complainant, he did make the following statement that has raised concerns in the domainer community:  “While the Panel finds the amount at which Respondent is offering to sell the Disputed Domain Name somewhat suspicious and disconcerting….”

The issues: whether a Domain name’s asking price should be considered at all in the determination of bad faith registration and use.  And, if so, to what extent should asking price be weighed in that determination?

Domainers are hard-pressed to see how UDRP panelists are experienced domain name real estate appraisal experts. I doubt UDRP panelists have much experience whatsoever in assessing the value of domain names. And if I’m right, which I suspect I am, panelists will need to become certified experts in domain name valuations should a trend of “asking price” assessment be imminent. I think most – if not all – would agree that an “I know it when I see it” standard is simply not acceptable.

I’m pondering whether a Domainer’s asking price has some place in the determination of bad faith registration and use in UDRP proceedings. I’m not advocating that an asking price, alone, could result in a finding of bad faith registration and use. However, I’m pondering whether asking price should play a role in those cases where the evidence strongly suggests bad faith and where evidence of an inflated asking price may be the missing link needed to “tip the scale” in favor of a complainant.

What are your thoughts?