Dispute Resolution
If you believe that a domain name registration infringes on your intellectual property:
First, contact the registrant of the domain name. You may be able to work out the problem together. If you must take your grievance to the next step, the following options are available:
- Domains that were registered during the .INFO Sunrise Period (those with "created on" dates in the WHOIS between July 25 and August 27, 2001) are subject to the Sunrise Challenge process. The deadline for members of the public to file Sunrise Challenges was December 26, 2001. Now that the Sunrise Challenge period has ended, parties other than Afilias wishing to initiate a dispute regarding the validity of a Sunrise domain must utilize ICANN's Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP), or a court system.
- Domains registered in Open Registration (those with "created on dates" in the WHOIS on and after September 12, 2001) should be disputed through the UDRP or through a court system.
ICANN requires that the UDRP be incorporated by reference into the registration agreements between registrars and registrants. ICANN's Web site contains a list of approved UDRP dispute-resolution service providers.
If You Have a Problem With Your Registrar:
First, try to resolve the issue with the registrar directly. Registrars are required to have customer support mechanisms to assist you. Your registration agreement is a contract between you and your registrar, and therefore Afilias does not normally intervene in such disputes.
If the problem persists, visit the InterNIC Registrar Problem Report page. It provides additional suggestions, and a report form.
If you have received a Sunrise Challenge from Afilias through WIPO:
Please read our FAQ to learn more.
