UDRP and URS are ICANN's processes for disputes over who should hold a domain name, usually when a trademark owner objects to a registration. Our Domain Registration Agreement binds every registrant to both, and we follow them.
UDRP and URS in brief
- UDRP (Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy) is the standard process. An approved dispute-resolution provider decides the case. The outcome can be cancellation of the domain or its transfer to the complainant.
- URS (Uniform Rapid Suspension) is a faster process for clear-cut cases. A successful complaint leads to the domain being suspended.
ICANN publishes both policies: UDRP and URS.
These policies apply to generic TLDs such as .com. Country-code extensions such as .us or .ai, and second-level products such as .uk.com, may follow their registry's own dispute rules instead. Our TLD requirements page shows which rules apply to each extension.
Filing a complaint
You file a UDRP or URS complaint with an approved dispute-resolution provider, not with us. OrbitFour is not a party to the dispute and doesn't decide who is right.
If the domain is also being used for phishing or malware, report that to us separately. See Reporting abuse.
What we do when a case is filed
When a provider notifies us of a case about a domain we sponsor, we:
- Lock the domain for the length of the case, so it can't move to another registrar or holder.
- Provide the registration data the case requires. This can include details hidden by WHOIS privacy.
- Carry out the provider's final decision, whether that keeps, suspends, cancels or transfers the domain.
If your domain is the subject of a case
You have the right to be notified and to defend your registration. Respond to the provider by its deadline. If you don't respond, your domain can be cancelled or transferred.
Disputes under these policies are excluded from the arbitration clause in our terms. Section 4 of the Domain Registration Agreement has the full wording.