The tenants of the rental property of 510 Pacific Ave, Venice, CA 90291 have found a novel way to bring awareness to various issues they have with their landlord.
By registering the domain 510pacificave.com and posting about their daily life at the premises, they also invited the landlord’s wrath.
In a UDRP for the domain, the Complainant, Lindeva Living Trust. Kim W. Lu Trustee of Los Angeles, California attempted to get the domain at the WIPO.
According to the UDRP:
“The disputed domain name resolves to a website with content critical of the Complainant’s management of the property, including allegations that the Complainant is “bullying” the tenants, and advises prospective tenants to look elsewhere. The Complainant has taken legal action seeking to enjoin the Respondent’s use of the website and to recover damages. The Complainant’s lawsuit is pending.”
Indeed, the active web site at 510pacificave.com shows the installation of 18 surveillance cameras in this 8 tenant property, which was sold for $3.2 million dollars in 2014.
Other content documents property areas that need repairs, along with tenant testimonials. The web site is rather whimsical in its design, including animations and photo memes.
William R. Towns, sole panelist, denied the domain’s transfer to the Complainant, citing fair use relevant to exercising one’s freedom of speech:
“Having said that, given the content at the website to which the disputed domain name points, it is clear that the Respondent is claiming free speech as a defense under the Policy. “
You can read the full text of the UDRP decision here.
