Frequently Asked Questions - Dispute Resolution FAQ


Encountering a problem with the misuse of a domain name, or a problem with a registrar? Here's advice for solving the problem.

What do I do if I have a problem with my 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.

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What do I do if I believe that a domain name registration infringes on my 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.

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    • What do I do if I receive a challenge from Afilias?

    If you receive a challenge from Afilias, there is something about your registration that does not seem to conform to the Sunrise registration rules.

    It is possible that the data you or your registrar submitted to Afilias was inaccurate, and the challenge was issued based on that inaccurate data. Some companies, for example, accidentally sent in data claiming trademarks in one country, when in fact their trademark was registered in another country.

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    If you receive a bulk challenge from Afilias but think your registration is valid, what should you do?

    If you believe your registration is valid, defend the challenge through WIPO. The e-mail you received from WIPO contains instructions; also see the Sunrise Rules. Defending the challenge will cost you a fee of US$295 -- but if your defense is successful, you will be refunded US$220.

    In addition, you may fax a copy of your valid trademark certificate(s) to Afilias, Attention: Sunrise Challenge, at 215-504-1758. We are happy to examine your certificate. Please note that faxing your certificate to us is no guarantee of any action by Afilias. You should be prepared to defend your challenge through WIPO, and you are responsible for meeting all deadlines and requirements WIPO may have.

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    What will happen if you do not defend your challenge?

    If you do not respond to WIPO, WIPO will eventually issue a default judgement against you.

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