Someone grabbed your brand as a .com? For generic TLDs, the route isn’t the INDRP — it’s ICANN’s UDRP. Here’s how to recover a .com (and other gTLD) domain, step by step.
UDRP vs INDRP
Domain names — like trademarks in the virtual world — are valuable (iCloud.com and Fb.com reportedly sold for US$6–9 million). The system is administered by ICANN. While the INDRP covers .in domains, the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) applies to all generic top-level domains, some ccTLDs, and legacy TLDs like .com and .net — with a different procedure and fee structure.
Filing with WIPO
A UDRP complaint is filed with an ICANN-approved provider such as the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center, which offers two easy options:
- email the complaint to disputes@wipo.int (WIPO provides a model complaint); or
- fill in and submit the online complaint form.
Procedure basics:
- submit the complaint and annexes electronically;
- file-size limits — each email/attachment ≤10 MB, the whole complaint+annexes ≤50 MB (split large attachments across emails);
- you needn’t serve the respondent, but must copy the registrar at the same time;
- the Center forwards the complaint and Written Notice to the respondent; and
- the disputed domain is locked — the registrar must confirm the lock within two business days, keeping it locked throughout.
Fees
Single panellist: US$1,500 (1–5 domains); US$2,000 (6–10). Three panellists: US$4,000 (1–5); US$5,000 (6–10). More than 10 domains — fee decided with WIPO. Pay by bank transfer, credit card or draft/cheque.
The three grounds
- the domain is identical or confusingly similar to a mark in which the complainant has rights;
- the registrant has no rights or legitimate interests in it; and
- the domain was registered and is used in bad faith.
Remedies
Limited to cancellation of the domain, or its transfer to the complainant.
Timeline
- within ~24 working hours — the Center acknowledges receipt;
- formalities review, with 5 working days to fix any deficiency;
- proceedings commence within 3 days of filing (if no deficiencies);
- the respondent responds within 20 calendar days;
- the Center then appoints a 1- or 3-member panel;
- the panel decides within 14 days of appointment;
- the Center forwards the decision within 3 days to the parties, ICANN and registrars; and
- on a decision for the complainant, the registrar implements it within 10 business days, unless the respondent has commenced a lawsuit.
The whole procedure normally completes within ~60 days of the Center receiving the complaint.
The takeaways
- Use the UDRP for .com/gTLDs — the INDRP only covers .in.
- File electronically with WIPO — model complaint or online form, and copy the registrar.
- The domain is locked during proceedings — no transfer out.
- Fast and finite — ~60 days, with remedies of cancellation or transfer.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between the UDRP and INDRP? The UDRP (ICANN) covers .com and other generic TLDs; the INDRP covers .in domains. They have different procedures and fees.
How do I file a UDRP complaint? Through an ICANN-approved provider like WIPO — by emailing the complaint to disputes@wipo.int or using the online form, and copying the registrar.
What are the UDRP fees? From US$1,500 (single panellist, 1–5 domains) up to US$5,000 (three panellists, 6–10 domains), with larger cases priced in consultation with WIPO.
How long does a UDRP case take? Normally around 60 days from when WIPO receives the complaint, with the panel deciding within 14 days of appointment.