UDRP offers protection for domain name rights holders

Organizations can use the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) to enforce their rights against third parties, it has been reported.

Writing for Lawdit.co.uk, Owen Ross explained that the UDRP sets the legal framework for resolving disputes between domain name holders and third parties over abusive registrations.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers’ (ICANN) board of directors has adopted the UDRP Policy, and attempts to use it to resolve disputes, he noted.

“Any individual or legal entity can file a domain name complaint anywhere in the world using the UDRP Administrative Procedure,” Mr. Ross said.

To be covered by the UDRP, disputes must concern the abusive registration of a domain name and must be identical or confusingly similar to a trademark or servicemark in which the complainant has rights.

Also, the domain name registrant must have no rights or legitimate interests in respect of the domain name in question.

And the domain name must have been registered and is being used in bad faith – for cybersquatting or some similar purpose.

Mr. Ross told the news provider that the main advantage of the UDRP Administrative Procedure is that it is faster and cheaper than going to court.

Ordinarily, completion of the process takes around 60 days from the date the complaint is filed.