{ "case_number": "CAC-UDRP-108441", "time_of_filling": "2026-02-26 12:23:16", "domain_names": [ "ghirardellidark.com" ], "case_administrator": " Iveta Špiclová (Czech Arbitration Court) (Case admin)", "complainant": [ "Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG" ], "complainant_representative": "SILKA AB", "respondent": [ "Andrew Carter" ], "respondent_representative": null, "factual_background": "

The Complainant (founded in 1845) is a Swiss producer of chocolate and confectionery products and is widely recognized as a global leader in the premium chocolate sector. Its brands, including Ghirardelli, are sold in over 120 countries. The Complainant employs roughly 15,000 people and reported CHF 5.47 billion in sales and CHF 884 million in operating profit in 2024. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Complainant notes that it acquired the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company (“Ghirardelli”) in 1998. Established in 1852, Ghirardelli is one of the oldest chocolate makers in the United States and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. In fiscal year 2024, Ghirardelli generated USD 888 million in sales. Its products are distributed through a broad network of stores, retail partners, and wholesale channels. <\/span><\/p>\n

To support the marketing and distribution of its products, the Complainant owns an extensive global portfolio of registered trademarks. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Complainant also maintains a strong online presence linked to the GHIRARDELLI mark, including its ownership of the domain name <ghirardelli.com> (registered on 24 June 1998). This website provides extensive information about the Complainant and its GHIRARDELLI‑branded products. In addition, the GHIRARDELLI mark benefits from substantial visibility across major social media platforms like Instagram, with more than 170,000 followers.<\/span><\/p>\n

The disputed domain name <ghirardellidark.com> (hereinafter “disputed domain name”) was registered on 28 January 2026. According to the Registrar, the Respondent is ‘Andrew Carter’. The Respondent’s provided address as being in the US.<\/span><\/p>", "other_legal_proceedings": "

The Panel is not aware of any other legal proceedings which are pending or decided and which relate to the disputed domain name.<\/p>", "no_response_filed": "

COMPLAINANT<\/b>:
The Complainant contends that the requirements of the Policy have been met and that the disputed domain name should be transferred to it.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

RESPONDENT:<\/p>\n

No administratively compliant Response has been filed.<\/p>", "rights": "

The Complainant has, to the satisfaction of the Panel, shown the disputed domain name is identical or confusingly similar to a trademark or service mark in which the Complainant has rights (within the meaning of paragraph 4(a)(i) of the UDRP).<\/p>", "no_rights_or_legitimate_interests": "

The Complainant has, to the satisfaction of the Panel, shown the Respondent to have no rights or legitimate interests in respect of the disputed domain name (within the meaning of paragraph 4(a)(ii) of the UDRP).<\/p>", "bad_faith": "

The Complainant has, to the satisfaction of the Panel, shown the disputed domain name has been registered and is being used in bad faith (within the meaning of paragraph 4(a)(iii) of the UDRP).<\/p>", "procedural_factors": "

The Panel is satisfied that all procedural requirements under UDRP were met and there is no other reason why it would be inappropriate to provide a decision.<\/p>", "decision": "Accepted", "panelists": [ "Radim Charvát" ], "date_of_panel_decision": "2026-03-29 00:00:00", "informal_english_translation": "

The Complainant states that it is the owner of the following trademark registrations:<\/span><\/p>\n