Pearl Jam wins domain name

Rock band Pearl Jam won the rights to PearlJams.com.

As is usually the case with arbitration involving high profile firms and celebrities, National Arbitration Forum issued a press release announcing that it found in favor of the complainant. But “won” is a strong word since the previous owner of PearlJams.com didn’t even respond to the complaint. Thus, the domain defaulted to the complainant.

I’ve raised this issue ahead of, but I’m uncomfortable with National Arbitration Forum issuing press releases regarding individual decisions. By issuing a press release, it gives the group reason to find in favor of the high-profile firm or celebrity. Following all, I haven’t seen any press releases from NAF regarding ruling against a high-profile complainant or settling a case that involves relatively modest players.