UNIFORM DOMAIN NAME DISPUTE RESOLUTION POLICY (UDRP)

The UDRP is the international procedure for resolving domain name disputes concerning “.com”, “.net”, “.org” and many other global domains. Bodies such as WIPO and the Forum (NAF) operate the UDRP under rules approved by ICANN. Adlex Solicitors are UK-based UDRP domain dispute solicitors. We have acted in hundreds of UDRP cases for both complainants and respondents, achieving successful outcomes worldwide.

WHAT THE UDRP IS AND WHEN TO USE IT

The UDRP applies to most international domain extensions such as “.com” and “.net” as well as many “new gTLDs” such as “.xyz”, “.online” and “.shop”. Many country-code domains have adopted it, sometimes with variations. The UDRP allows trade mark owners to recover domains registered or used in bad faith or to defend legitimate registrations challenged by others.

Under the UDRP, a complainant must prove that the domain name was both registered and used in bad faith. However, this differs from the Nominet DRS, which focuses on whether a domain was registered or used abusively.

Learn more about the Nominet DRS

HOW THE UDRP PROCESS WORKS

Filing the Complaint – The complainant files electronically with an approved provider such as WIPO or the Forum.
Notification and Response – The provider notifies the domain holder, who normally has 20 days to respond.
Panel Appointment – The provider appoints a single- or three-member panel from its list of expert panellists.
Decision – The panel issues a written decision, usually within 14 days of the response period ending.
Implementation – Unless court action is filed, the registrar transfers or cancels the domain or returns it to the registrant’s control.

See the official UDRP policy on ICANN’s website

WHY REPRESENTATION BY UDRP SOLICITORS MATTERS

UDRP panels decide cases purely on written submissions. Clear structure, persuasive evidence and concise argument are critical. As specialist UDRP lawyers, Adlex prepare and file complaints and responses for clients worldwide and has in-depth knowledge of the reasoning that panels apply. We handle disputes under the UDRP as well as similar international systems such as the USDRP (for .us domain names).

Learn more about our expertise in domain name disputes

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THE UDRP

Who can file a UDRP complaint?

Any party with registered trade marks or unregistered rights based on reputation may file a complaint.

How long does a UDRP case take and what does it cost?

Most cases take around 10 weeks. Filing fees start at around USD 1,300–1,500 for a single-panel case.

What does “bad faith” mean?

“Bad faith” typically covers registering and using a domain to sell to the brand owner, block its use, disrupt competitors or mislead customers for commercial gain.

Can I defend a UDRP complaint?

Yes – a well-drafted response can often succeed where the registrant has a legitimate business or other reason for owning the domain.

What remedies are available under the UDRP?

The panel may order transfer or cancellation of the domain; it cannot award damages or costs.

Can I still go to court after a UDRP decision?

Yes – the UDRP does not prevent either party from bringing independent court proceedings before or after the UDRP process.

See our full FAQs about domain name law

CASE EXAMPLES (PARTY REPRESENTATION)

All examples below are public UDRP decisions handled by Adlex.

WIPO Case D2025-2016 (PDF) – Transfer ordered for international power generation company.
WIPO Case D2024-1932 (PDF) – Achieved transfer for small UK travel business.
Forum Case FA-1857298 (HTML) – Successful defence of UDRP case; panel found no evidence of bad-faith registration or use.

Each case is different – contact us for tailored advice.

NEED HELP FROM UDRP LAWYERS?

Need specialist legal help with a UDRP complaint or defence? Contact UDRP domain dispute solicitors Adlex for a free initial legal opinion on your case.

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