> But the parent seems to be asking for a general example of what would happen in such a dispute

Actually my question (I'm parent) is also on the technical level, since I'm pessimistically assuming the lawyers will win everytime.

If Sandra renames her package (voluntarily or not) - will the old versions with contested name resolve correctly stickman v0.99? Or will they be gone forever? Will Stick Corp inherit management of the old versions? Is it a good idea? Who will manage point-release vulnerability upgrade - Sandra or Stick Corp? etc. There are a lot of questions relating to the original quagmire that NPM Inc is not answering.

This is exactly what politically empowered people and lawyers are good at figuring out. Let the law and motivated individuals sort it out in institutions that society has designated. What we are seeing now are the consequences of conflicting unilateral actions.

The goal of Npm should be to insure that any software built using their tools enjoys uninterrupted historical continuity and progress. The technical challenge is as serious as the political complexity--exactly as it should be! Rash and sudden movements (yanking version, letting squatters snap up names) are undesirable because they do not honor the spirit of necessity:

Move only when necessary, and then move decisively, and always fight to ensure the historical continuity of the software. If people are confused, illustrate the precept in your actions and instruct the people!