What constitutes "bad faith" in the registration or use of a domain name?

According to ICANN policy, bad faith in the registration or use of a domain name includes:

-Acquiring a domain name primarily for the purpose of selling, renting or transferring the domain name to the owner of a trademark or service mark, or a competitor of the trademark or service mark owner

-Acquiring a domain to prevent the owner of a trademark or service mark from registering the domain name

-Acquiring a domain name to disrupt the business of a competitor

-Using a domain name to attract traffic to a website by a "likelihood of confusion with the complainant's mark as the source, sponsorship, affiliation, or endorsement" of the website

What is a Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy Center?

ICANN has currently authorized four non-profit organizations to serve as Dispute Resolution Service providers.  These organizations have the authority to resolve disputes over domain names involving alleged "bad faith" intentions.  Complaints reviewed by Dispute Resolution Service providers are decided in an expedited review process by an Administrative Panel.   


How can I file a complaint with a Dispute Resolution Service Provider?

ICANN policy requires complainants to submit a request for review which includes the trademarks and/or service marks on which the complaint is based, the grounds for the complaint and the remedies being sought.  In addition, each Dispute Resolution Service Provider has separate policies regulating the submission of complaints.  Our experienced intellectual property lawyers can assist you with the preparation and submission of a complaint. Please contact us for more information.