Uniform Domain-Name
Dispute-Resolution Policy


General Information

All registrars in the .com, .net, and .org top-level domains follow the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (often referred to as the "UDRP"). Under the policy, most types of trademark-based domain-name disputes must be resolved by agreement, court action, or arbitration before a registrar will cancel, suspend, or transfer a domain name. Disputes alleged to arise from abusive registrations of domain names (for example, cybersquatting) may be addressed by expedited administrative proceedings that the holder of trademark rights initiates by filing a complaint with an approved dispute-resolution service provider.

To invoke the policy, a trademark owner should either (a) file a complaint in a court of proper jurisdiction against the domain-name holder (or where appropriate an in-rem action concerning the domain name) or (b) in cases of abusive registration submit a complaint to an approved dispute-resolution service provider (see below for a list and links).

Principal Documents

The following documents provide details:

Information on Proceedings Commenced Under the Policy

Historical Documents Concerning the Policy

Chronology

Staff Reports

Proposed Implementation Documents (form posted for public comment September 29, 1999)

Public Comments Submitted (comment period September 29-October 13, 1999)


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Page Updated 17-June-00
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