OnlineNIC is in trouble with Verizon resulting in the largest cybersquatting decision ever. According to a Verizon press release, the damages are $33.15 million because of 663 domain infringing names. The Chinese-based registrar did not participate in the federal court proceedings, resulting in a default ruling, perhaps due to the question of whether or not Verizon chose the proper venue to bring such a case. If OnlineNIC has no assets in the U.S. then they may have little to lose from a U.S. court.

Verizon is not new to discussions of trademark infringing domain names. Domain Name Wire pointed out the hypocrisy of Verizon bringing a cybersquatting case when they are guilty of redirecting URLs that infringe on others’ trademarks.

OnlineNIC is also known as China-Channel.com and while their whois record lists an Oakland, California address, they have a Chinese phone number.