Can a DRS decision be appealed?

Yes – a party may appeal to a three‑Expert panel within 10 days of the decision. New evidence is accepted only in exceptional circumstances.

NOMINET DISPUTE RESOLUTION SERVICE (DRS)

The Nominet Dispute Resolution Service (DRS) is the official UK system for resolving “.uk” domain name disputes without going to court. It is fast, inexpensive process with independent experts deciding cases online. Adlex Solicitors has acted in hundreds of DRS cases since Nominet UK introduced the policy in 2001, when Adam Taylor was among the first Experts appointed by Nominet.

WHAT THE DRS IS AND WHEN TO USE IT

The DRS applies to “.uk” domains – such as .co.uk, .org.uk and .uk – where someone has registered a name similar to another business’s mark or trading name. You can used the procedure to recover a domain registered or used in an abusive manner.

Under the DRS, a complainant must prove that the domain name is an “abusive registration”, meaning that the registrant registered or used it to unfairly benefit from, or damage, the complainant’s rights. However, the DRS differs from the UDRP, which requires proof that a domain was both registered and used in bad faith.

Domain Name Disputes – Main Service Page

HOW THE NOMINET DRS PROCESS WORKS

Filing the Complaint – the complainant submits a detailed claim to Nominet with supporting evidence.
Response Stage – the domain holder has 15 working days to respond.
Reply – the complainant has five business days to reply.
Mediation – Nominet offers free remote mediation to try to settle the dispute.
Expert Decision – if unresolved, the complainant pays the fee and an independent Expert issues a written decision within three weeks.
Implementation or Appeal – Nominet transfers, suspends, or cancels the domain, or the registrant keeps it – unless the loser appeals.

WHY LEGAL REPRESENTATION MATTERS

Nominet intended the DRS to be user-friendly. Nevertheless, success depends on how well you argue and present the case. We regularly draft and respond to complaints, carefully investigate and select the evidence and present the arguments persuasively. Accordingly, our experience in both bringing and defending DRS cases means we know what panellists look for and how to avoid common mistakes. Learn more about our expertise in domain name disputes

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT NOMINET DRS CASES

Who can use the DRS?

Any business or individual with rights in a name or mark identical or similar to a “.uk” domain can bring a complaint under the DRS.

What is an “abusive registration”?

An abusive registration is a domain that the registrant registered or used in a way that takes unfair advantage of, or is unfairly detrimental to, another party’s rights.

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

Most cases conclude within around 10 weeks. Nominet charges around £750 + VAT for a single‑Expert decision, £200 + VAT for a summary undefended decision, and £3,000 + VAT for a three‑Expert appeal panel. Legal fees vary depending on how complicated the case is.

What remedies are available under the DRS?

If the Expert finds for the complainant, the Nominet transfers, suspend or cancels; otherwise the respondent retains it.

Can the loser appeal a DRS decision?

Yes – a party may appeal to a three‑Expert panel within 10 days of the decision. The appeal panel only accepts new evidence in exceptional circumstances.

See our full FAQs about domain name law

CASE EXAMPLES (PARTY REPRESENTATION)

Nominet DRS 24454 (Appeal Panel) – Successfully defended a descriptive domain name for a small business after coming on board at the appeal stage (decision searchable via Nominet DRS database).

See also Nominet DRS 18658 – Acted for UK newspaper publisher in obtaining transfer following rejection of criticism website defence (decision searchable via Nominet DRS database).

Also see Nominet DRS 10475 (Appeal Panel) – Transfer obtained for UK company in DRS appeal arising from hotly contested business dispute.

(Nominet does not provide permanent links to DRS decisions. Each decision can be verified via Nominet’s search tool at https://secure.nominet.org.uk/drs/search-disputes.html.)

NEED HELP WITH A “.UK” DOMAIN DISPUTE?

Need specialist help with a “.uk” domain dispute? Contact Adlex Solicitors for a free initial legal opinion on your case.

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