Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy
Please note that the English language version of all translated content and documents are the official versions and that translations in other languages are for informational purposes only.
General Information
All registrars must follow the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (often referred to as the "UDRP"). Under the policy, most types of trademark-based domain-name disputes must be resolved by agreement, court action, or arbitration before a registrar will cancel, suspend, or transfer a domain name. Disputes alleged to arise from abusive registrations of domain names (for example, cybersquatting) may be addressed by expedited administrative proceedings that the holder of trademark rights initiates by filing a complaint with an approved dispute-resolution service provider.
To invoke the policy, a trademark owner should either (a) file a complaint in a court of proper jurisdiction against the domain-name holder (or where appropriate an in-rem action concerning the domain name) or (b) in cases of abusive registration submit a complaint to an approved dispute-resolution service provider (see below for a list and links).
Principal Documents
The following documents provide details:
- Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy – This policy is followed by all registrars. (Updated 21 February 2024 to reflect changes required to implement the Registration Data Policy. Contracted parties may implement this updated Policy beginning on 21 August 2024 and must implement no later than 21 August 2025).
- Previous Version:
- Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (Effective 24 October 1999 through 20 August 2025)
- Rules for Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy – These rules are followed by all dispute-resolution service providers, with supplementation by each provider's supplemental rules. (Updated 21 February 2024 to reflect changes required to implement the Registration Data Policy. Contracted parties may implement this updated Policy beginning on 21 August 2024 and must implement no later than 21 August 2025.)
- Previous Versions:
- Rules for Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (Effective 31 July 2015 through 20 August 2025)
- Rules for Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (Effective 1 March 2010 through 31 July 2015)
- Archived Rules – Prior version of Rules in effect for proceedings filed on or before 28 February 2010
- List of Approved Dispute-Resolution Service Providers
- Information Concerning Approval Process for Dispute-Resolution Service Provide
Information on Proceedings Commenced Under the Policy
Historical Documents Concerning the Policy
Chronology
Staff Reports
- Staff Report on Implementation Documents for the Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy (29 September 1999)
- Second Staff Report on Implementation Documents for the Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy (24 October 1999)
Proposed Implementation Documents (form posted for public comment September 29, 1999)
- Draft Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (29 September 1999)
- Draft Rules for Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (29 September 1999)
Public Comments Submitted (comment period September 29-October 13, 1999)