diff --git a/worldguard-core/src/main/java/com/sk89q/worldguard/commands/region/MemberCommands.java b/worldguard-core/src/main/java/com/sk89q/worldguard/commands/region/MemberCommands.java
index 7c04c510..e41eb1b9 100644
--- a/worldguard-core/src/main/java/com/sk89q/worldguard/commands/region/MemberCommands.java
+++ b/worldguard-core/src/main/java/com/sk89q/worldguard/commands/region/MemberCommands.java
@@ -129,8 +129,8 @@ private static Callable<DefaultDomain> checkedAddOwners(Actor sender, RegionMana
             }
             if (region.getOwners().size() == 0) {
                 boolean anyOwners = false;
-                ProtectedRegion parent;
-                while ((parent = region.getParent()) != null) {
+                ProtectedRegion parent = region;
+                while ((parent = parent.getParent()) != null) {
                     if (parent.getOwners().size() > 0) {
                         anyOwners = true;
                         break;