WIPO Advanced Workshop on Domain Name Dispute Resolution: Update on Practices and Precedents

WIPO, Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday and Wednesday, October 19 and 20, 2010

Overview

The WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center is internationally recognized as the leading institution in the resolution of Internet domain name disputes. Since December 1999, the Center has administered over 32,000 proceedings, of which over 17,000 under the WIPO-initiated Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) adopted by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). The UDRP applies to disputes in the generic top-level domains (gTLDs) (e.g., .com, .net, .org, .mobi), as well as an increasing number of country code top-level domains (ccTLDs).

The UDRP provides holders of trademark rights with an administrative mechanism for the efficient resolution of disputes arising out of the bad-faith registration and use by third parties of Internet domain names corresponding to those trademark rights.

The evolving nature of the domain name registration system (DNS) is causing growing concern for trademark owners around the world, leading to a large number of UDRP cases filed with the Center, and an increasing demand for training in this area. The Workshop will pay particular attention to the numerous developments in relation to UDRP decision precedent and process, including the WIPO-initiated eUDRP.

Who Should Attend

The target audience for this Workshop includes practitioners who already have some experience with the UDRP through case filing or previous Workshops, as well as those who may become involved in UDRP proceedings. Registrars and ccTLD administrators may also take this opportunity to increase their knowledge of the UDRP process and current issues in the Domain Name System.

Participants will be expected to have a basic understanding of the domain name system in general and the UDRP process in particular. Course material will be provided ahead of the program. Proficiency in English is essential for participation.

Certificate of Participation (including for CLE/CPD)

All participants who complete the program will be awarded a certificate of participation. Those who have applied for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) or Continuing Professional development (CPD) credit will receive a special certificate to this effect.