But Mr Justice Astill said Boro's action was based on "speculation" and had no realistic prospect of success, but a Boro spokesman said the club would appeal the decision.
David Phillips QC, who represented Boro, had argued that Liverpool had exploited confidential knowledge of Ziege's contract with Boro. Mr. Phillips had argued Ziege was rated £7.5m, and indeed Boro had been offered that sum from two clubs.
He argued that Boro had lost more money because his transfer fee would have been enhanced had he stayed with them, and that the club would have been more successful in the Premiership if he had stayed.
But Mr Astill said Ziege, now at Tottenham, had no market value as a player because Boro had agreed to allow him the £5.5m clause in his contract.
He went on to say that Boro could never expect damages to be awarded by a court on the supposition that the club would have ended higher in the League if the player had stayed.
Boro will appeal.
Ed's Note - When will Boro learn to accept that football is governed by its own rules and the punishments handed out by the football authorities don't fit the crime.
How much precious cash has been wasted this time on another lost case and how do Boro think we are perceived by other clubs, just like whinging school kids who won't play ball in the playground.