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Home / I Received a Domain Name Complaint...
Domain Name Complaints
If you received a domain name Complaint in accordance with a particular Internet dispute resolution policy, it means that someone (a Complainant) has filed a complaint against you (the Respondent) regarding your registration or use of a particular domain name.
You have already agreed to the terms and conditions of the domain name’s registrar, including the process by which domain name disputes are resolved. The dispute resolution process is beneficial to both Complainants and Respondents: it is efficient, simple, and inexpensive. Signing the registrar’s registration agreement confirmed your assent to this process.
What is the FORUM?
The FORUM administers the dispute resolution process for Internet domain names. The dispute resolution policies themselves are created and sponsored by organizations such as ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), NeuStar, Inc., and New.net.
A FORUM case coordinator will ensure that your case proceeds smoothly according to the rules of the appropriate policy. Case coordinators handle all document submissions; they also relay communications between you and the deciding panel, schedule hearings, and answer procedural questions when necessary.
Your Rights as a Respondent
The domain name dispute resolution process administered by the FORUM is similar to a simple court proceeding. You enjoy the same opportunity to have your dispute heard by an impartial third party (or panel), just as you would in court. You are entitled to a fair hearing at a reasonable cost.
Rules
Different domain name dispute policies (and their respective rule sets) govern the dispute resolution processes for Internet domain names. Each domain name dispute resolution policy and rule set also has a set of corresponding Supplemental Rules issued by the FORUM. These Supplemental Rules govern the procedures for administering domain name dispute resolutions.
Note: The FORUM’s Code of Procedure does not apply to domain name disputes.
Fees
Responding to a Complaint does not cost you anything, unless, in your response, you request additional services, such as electing to have a three-member panel decide your dispute instead of a one-member panel and the Complainant has not already chosen to do so. Our fees are detailed in our Supplemental Rule sets.
We Can’t Provide Legal Advice
While the FORUM strives to make the domain name dispute resolution process as simple and clear for you as possible, please remember that we are unable to advise you legally on your actions. We are an independent, neutral provider of dispute resolution services; as a result, we cannot provide either party with advice. We can clarify rules, but we cannot make suggestions or recommendations.
What to Do Next
Simply follow the instructions on the notice you received. If you are asked to submit a written response, complete the required steps in a timely manner while observing the “due date” printed on the notice. Deadlines are not negotiable. If you do not respond in accordance with the rules, the panel will decide the dispute based upon the information before it.
Please proceed to the Overview of Policies page for a guide to the different policies as well as links to pages containing instructions and forms that might be useful when composing your response.
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