Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) | Practical Law

Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) | Practical Law

Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP)

Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP)

Practical Law Glossary Item 0-502-9121 (Approx. 3 pages)

Glossary

Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP)

A policy adopted by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to resolve domain name disputes for:
  • Domain names that end in a generic top-level domain (for example, .com, .net, and .org).
  • Certain country code top-level domains.
ICANN requires domain name registrars to incorporate the UDRP into their registration agreements. As a result, parties who register domain names contractually agree to resolve trademark-based domain name disputes through a streamlined arbitration process with an ICANN-approved dispute-resolution service provider (a UDRP proceeding).
To prevail in a UDRP proceeding, a trademark owner (the complainant) must establish that:
  • The domain name is identical or confusingly similar to a trademark in which the complainant has rights.
  • The respondent has no legitimate rights in the domain name at issue.
  • The respondent registered and is using the domain name in bad faith.
Remedies in UDRP proceedings are transfer or cancellation of the offending domain name.
A copy of the UDRP is available on the ICANN website.