1 domain name, 2 summary decisions in 2 months, 2 different outcomes

[invincible]

Just a bit of information about something I noticed today. See screenshot attached.

1 domain name <sodeo.co.uk>. 2 DRS summary decisions in 2 months. Same Complainant. Same Respondent. 2 different Independent Experts. 2 different outcomes. No reference in the second summary DRS decision to the first summary DRS decision. I don't appear to be able to attach PDF's to this post but you're invited to download them from Nominet's site.

 

[invincible]

Case 28408, dated 14/01/2026, included 'The Complainant has shown to my satisfaction that it has Rights in the name/mark SODEXO. However, it has not adduced any evidence to show that the Domain Name takes unfair advantage of or is detrimental to those Rights. The bald assertion that the use of the word ‘sodeo’ is confusingly similar to the Complainant’s name/mark is not enough in my view, to justify a finding that the Domain name is an Abusive Registration.'

Case 28683, dated 12/03/2025, makes no reference to case 28408. I presume the Complainant improves on case 28408 and perhaps explains why in their opinion the Domain Name took unfair advantage of or was detrimental to their Rights in the mark SODEXO which resulted in the second Independent Expert concurring and directing for transfer of the Domain Name. Either that or perhaps the use of the Domain Name changed during the period of time between the two cases, although given how short the time period between the two cases is I would be surprised if that occurred.

It might have been helpful if the second Independent Expert had commented in the decision for case 28683 to clarify what changed between it and case 28408 although I am aware that Experts are not obliged to do so.