Greener UDRP Saves Parties Time & Money,
FORUM Launches Streamlined Online Filing

The Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy has undergone some “greener” changes this year.  Beginning March 1, 2010, all case documents were required to be submitted electronically as articulated in ICANN’s new UDRP Rules (effective March 1, 2010).  The National Arbitration Forum’s (FORUM) new Supplemental Rules were also effective for all parties for cases filed on or after March 1, 2010.

Prior to March 1, parties were permitted to “opt in” to the electronic process.  The Forum accepted 110 electronic filings prior to March 1.  Since March 1, the Forum has accepted 119 additional filings via its online filing platform and email.

Also early in March, the Forum launched a leaner, cleaner online filing platform.  Incorporating party feedback regarding a need to file online without long forms to fill out, the Forum quietly released a simplified portal through which parties could file complaints and responses and pay filing fees securely via credit card.  Parties seem to appreciate the changes as the Forum has seen a sharp uptick in online filings since the new site launched.

Parties are reminded that, with the ease of electronic and online filing, the Forum will focus on increased compliance with UDRP Rule 19, which prohibits us from taking any action on a case until payment is received.  As we no longer have to wait for hard copies, and are making online payment more convenient and secure, we will not be proceeding with electronically filed cases until payment is received.

If you’ve had a chance to use our electronic process and would like to offer some feedback on your experience, please send an email to eUDRPcomments@adrforum.com.  We will also welcome comments on the changes to our Supplemental Rules at this email address.  Please note that we may or may not be able to incorporate suggestions into future versions of our Supplemental Rules. 

If you continue to have questions about paperless UDRP filings, please contact us at domaindispute@adrforum.com and we will help answer your questions.

			“The UDRP is an administrative alternative dispute resolution policy which creates a procedure specifically designed to provide a fast and cheap means for resolving domain name disputes. (internal citations omitted). On average, it takes no more than two months to resolve a domain name dispute under the UDRP.” –American Girl, LLC v. Nameview, Inc., 381 F.Supp.2d 876 (E.D. Wis. 2005)

ICANN Rollout of new gTLDs

One of the biggest topics of discussion surrounding domain names lately has been whether, when, and how ICANN will be rolling out what could potentially be hundreds of new top-level domains. While the answers to these questions, and others, aren't settled, our filers might still be wondering how these changes might impact them. Of course, the FORUM will be available for UDRP disputes that might arise from some less-regulated new TLDs. But for filers who might be interested in learning more about how to acquire their own top-level domains in the new process, the FORUM is pleased to recommend a company committed to helping brands and communities navigate the new gTLD process.



Minds+Machines is staffed by domain name industry experts who can answer your questions and help determine if owning your own top-level domain name is right for you. And if you determine that you want to submit an application for a new gTLD, Minds+Machines has the know-how and connections to make that process seamless and can work with new Registries and the FORUM to customize sunrise-type programs specific to their needs.

For more information about dispute resolution solutions for new gTLDs, please contact Kristine Dorrain at kdorrain@adrforum.com.