How the firm assists
Services
Domain portfolio and risk review
Advice and implementation tailored to the right, transaction, dispute and commercial objective.
Cybersquatting and impersonation assessment
Advice and implementation tailored to the right, transaction, dispute and commercial objective.
UDRP and registry dispute support
Advice and implementation tailored to the right, transaction, dispute and commercial objective.
Registrar, hosting and platform engagement
Advice and implementation tailored to the right, transaction, dispute and commercial objective.
Passing-off and infringement proceedings
Advice and implementation tailored to the right, transaction, dispute and commercial objective.
Settlement, transfer and portfolio consolidation
Advice and implementation tailored to the right, transaction, dispute and commercial objective.
Legal context
Governing framework
Domain disputes may be addressed through applicable registry policies, contractual dispute procedures such as the UDRP, trade mark law, passing off, civil remedies and cyber-related law. The route depends on the domain extension, registrar, registrant and disputed conduct.
From instruction to outcome
Likely stages
- Identify the domain, extension, registrar, registrant and active use.
- Preserve registration data, website content, redirects, emails and offers for sale.
- Compare relevant trade mark rights, reputation and legitimate interests.
- Select the registry procedure, UDRP, negotiation or court route.
- Prepare the complaint, evidence and requested transfer or cancellation remedy.
- Secure transfer and strengthen defensive registrations and monitoring.
Preparing an instruction
Documents commonly required
- Trade mark registrations and brand history
- Domain WHOIS or registration information
- Screenshots, archived pages and correspondence
- Evidence of phishing, impersonation or diversion
- Evidence of reputation, web traffic and prior domain use
- Registrar and registry communications
Practical guidance
Frequently asked questions
Can a domain be transferred without court proceedings?
Many domain systems provide administrative dispute procedures. Eligibility and the legal test depend on the extension and governing policy.
What evidence supports bad faith?
Relevant material may include imitation, diversion, sale demands, false contact details, repeated registrations, phishing or use targeting the complainant’s reputation.
Should similar domains be registered defensively?
A proportionate defensive portfolio and monitoring programme can reduce risk, but it should be aligned with core brands, markets and likely abuse patterns.
Relevant experience