Vladimir Kramnik commented on the result of the court hearing between him and New in Chess (NiC) on X. Kramnik states that he plans to file an appeal, and believes that the decision contains conceptual flaws.

Vladimir Kramnik

Vladimir Kramnik

14th World Champion

“Finally received the court decision in the case against New in Chess.

There are numerous evident conceptual flaws in the decision, in our evidence-backed opinion. Of course, such a decision text shall and will be appealed.

I have no slightest doubt personally, that the decision will be annulled by the higher instance, after careful examination of the case and the appeal arguments.

Will keep informing the public about developments.”

NiC announced the result of the court hearing between them and Vladimir Kramnik on September 1. NiC’s lawyer reported that the Dutch court decided to dismiss Kramnik’s claims. The court stated that Vladimir must tolerate strong criticism.

14th World Champion Vladimir Kramnik filed a lawsuit against NiC on August 3. Kramnik accused NiC of defamation in their August 2025 issue.

The August issue featured Leon Watson’s article ‘A Very Public Feud’. In the article, Kramnik was accused of cyberbullying Daniel Naroditsky. Watson suspected Vladimir of using alt accounts to spread public comments, cited a critical comment from a friend of Kramnik, and more.

New in Chess is an international chess magazine and book publisher. NiC was founded in 1984 and is owned by Scottish GM Jacob Aagaard.

Credit: Dmitry Ikunin