Updated UDRP Rules and WIPO Supplemental Rules For Domain Name Disputes

04 09 2015

On 31 July 2015, new Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (‘UDRP’) Rules and WIPO Supplemental Rules came into effect (other providers have also made amendments to their rules), aimed at streamlining processes and reducing cyber flight.

The UDRP Rules and WIPO Supplemental Rules regulate domain name disputes involving ICANN-accredited registrars and their registrants. The changes are summarised below:

Complaint Filing Practices

  • Complainants should now email their complaint to WIPO but not copy in the Respondent

Registrar “Lock”

  1. Updated definitions of “Lock” and “Pendency”.
  2. The Registrar shall provide information requested in the verification request and confirm that the domain lock has been applied within two business days of receiving WIPO’s verification request.
  3. The Registrar shall not notify the respondent of the proceeding until the lock status is applied.
  4. The lock status shall remain in place through the remaining pendency of the UDRP proceeding.
  5. Updates to the respondent’s data must be made before the two business day period concludes or before the Registrar verifies information and confirms the lock to WIPO, whichever occurs first; any modifications after this period may be addressed in the Panel’s decision.

Settlement Procedure

  • Parties who wish to settle their dispute should provide WIPO with a written request to suspend proceedings. If the parties reach a settlement they should complete WIPO’s Standard Settlement Form.

Response Extension Requests

  • An automatic four day extension of the response due date is available upon request by the respondent; there is no fee required for this request.

Model Pleadings

  • New Model Complaint and Model Response documents have been made available by WIPO, which incorporate the new rules and case practices.

A copy of the revised rules is available from the WIPO website

http://www.wipo.int/amc/en/domains/resources/updated_udrp_rules.html

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