What UDRP means
A trademark owner can file a UDRP complaint to have a domain transferred or cancelled if it is confusingly similar to their mark, registered and used in bad faith, and the holder has no legitimate interest. Check trademarks before buying a domain.
Why it matters for your website
If someone registers a domain using your trademark to mislead customers, UDRP offers a way to get it transferred without a full lawsuit. It also matters when choosing a new domain, because picking a name close to someone else's mark can put your site at risk.
Example
A hypothetical furniture brand finds a look-alike domain selling fake versions of its products and files a UDRP complaint to have the domain transferred.
Tips
- Search trademarks before buying a domain for a new brand.
- Register your own trademarks if your brand name is important to your business.
- Talk to a trademark attorney before filing or responding to a complaint.
Common mistakes
- Thinking UDRP can award money damages; it only transfers or cancels domains.
- Filing a complaint against a domain used in good faith for unrelated purposes.
Questions about UDRP
What is UDRP?
The Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy, used to settle trademark disputes over domain names.
What do you have to prove in a UDRP case?
The complainant must show the domain is identical or confusingly similar to their trademark, the owner has no rights or legitimate interest in it, and it was registered and is being used in bad faith.
Is UDRP faster than going to court?
It is usually faster and less expensive than a lawsuit. The process is handled by approved providers and is done mostly through written filings.
