Domain Name Dispute Resolution

Overview

Domain name disputes present a distinctive legal challenge: the dispute resolution mechanisms — UDRP (Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy) for gTLDs and INDRP (IN Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy) for .in ccTLDs — operate outside the traditional court system, with expert panels deciding disputes on written submissions under defined three-part tests within compressed timelines. A brand owner whose trademark is being used in a domain name by a cybersquatter, a typosquatter, or a former employee or distributor must navigate these specialised procedures efficiently to achieve recovery. Corpus Juris Legal advises brand owners on domain name dispute strategy and represents complainants and respondents in UDRP proceedings before WIPO, NAF, and other accredited providers, and in INDRP proceedings before NIXI for .in domains. We also advise on proactive domain portfolio management — defensive registrations, domain watch services, and the interaction between domain name rights and trademark registration strategy. Where domain disputes intersect with broader trademark infringement or online brand abuse, we coordinate enforcement across all available channels: domain transfer, marketplace takedown, and civil litigation where appropriate. For businesses acquiring companies with domain portfolios, domain name due diligence is integrated into our IP due diligence practice.

Key Service Components

• ◆UDRP complaint preparation and filing before WIPO and NAF
• ◆INDRP complaint for .in domain disputes before NIXI
• ◆Cybersquatting and typosquatting enforcement proceedings
• ◆UDRP response preparation for respondents
• ◆Domain transfer and cancellation remedies
• ◆Proactive domain portfolio strategy and defensive registration advisory
• ◆Domain watch and monitoring programme design
• ◆Reverse domain name hijacking (RDNH) defence
• ◆Domain name due diligence for M&A transactions
• ◆Coordination with trademark and online enforcement programmes

Our Approach

We evaluate every domain dispute against the three-part UDRP or INDRP test — identical or confusingly similar, no legitimate interest, bad faith — before advising on whether to proceed. A complaint that does not clearly satisfy all three elements risks both failure and a finding of reverse domain name hijacking. Our submissions are structured to pre-empt the strongest defences a respondent is likely to raise.

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