UDRP Procedure Guide
Complete guide to filing a Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) complaint to recover domain names that infringe on your trademark rights.
Confirm You Really Qualify
Own (or control) the trademark
You will have to prove registered rights or strong common-law rights built by extensive use and publicity.
Gather solid evidence of bad-faith registration and/or use
Collect comprehensive evidence including:
- Screenshots of the knock-off shop
- Dates from the Wayback Machine
- Customer confusion emails
- Ads using your logo
- Other relevant documentation
You will attach these as Annexes to the complaint.
File Online Through WIPO
1Create a WIPO Account
Register for a WIPO account to access the online filing system.
Create WIPO Account
2File Your Domain Case Online
Use WIPO's online complaint filing system to submit your case details and evidence.
File Domain Case
3Pay the Filing Fee
Complete your filing by paying the required fee through WIPO's secure payment system.
Pay Filing FeeWhat You'll Need to Prepare
The online system will guide you through each section step-by-step. Upload all evidence as digital files and ensure accuracy before submission.
Submit and Confirm
Double-check everything before submission
Triple-check names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses; a mismatch can lead to rejection at the administrative-check stage. Once submitted, changes are difficult to make.
Review your complete filing
The online system will show you a summary of all information and uploaded documents before final submission. Verify all details are accurate.
Submit and pay simultaneously
The online system processes your complaint submission and payment together. You'll receive immediate confirmation of both.
Case Reference Number
You will receive a Case Reference Number within 2–3 business days once the filing administrator confirms procedural compliance and completeness.
What Happens Next
| Day | Action | Actor |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Provider notifies the registrar & respondent; registrar freezes the name (no transfers, DNS changes). | Provider / Registrar |
| 0-20 | Respondent may file a Response (max 20 days). | Respondent |
| 20-35 | Provider appoints panel (14 days to decision for a single panelist). | Provider |
| ≤ 45 | Written Decision issued; parties notified. | Panel |
| +10 bd | Registrar implements transfer/cancellation unless Respondent sues in court and shows proof of filing. | Registrar |
Real-world average: From filing to decision is about six weeks for a single-panel case.
Costs to Budget
| Item | Amount (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Filing fee (1 domain, 1 panelist) | $1,500 | WIPO schedule |
| 3-member panel (optional) | + $2,500 | Total $4,000; respondent can insist & must pay half |
| Professional representative (optional) | $2,000 - $6,000 | Depends on law firm & evidence complexity (market rates from domain-name boutiques) |
Post-Decision Housekeeping
If You Win
- • Supply your registrar with the transfer contact info as soon as the 10-day waiting period ends.
- • Redirect newly acquired domain to your own domain or park it to prevent future abuse.
If You Lose
You can still sue in a civil court under national trademark or anti-cybersquatting statutes (e.g., ACPA in the U.S.)