The World Intellectual Property Organization (“WIPO”) has announced two updates to its Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (“UDRP”) case services that are of interest to brand owners interested in the UDRP process as a way to efficiently safeguard trademarks from unauthorized use in disputed domains:

1. A new priority service for expedited case processing, and
2. A revised fee schedule to address cases terminated prior to formal notification.

WIPO has also published a new Model UDRP Complaint.

Priority Services for Expedited Processing

The UDRP is already a fairly streamlined process, but WIPO’s new service option acknowledges that some domain disputes present circumstances so urgent that they warrant an expedited timeline for resolution. While the new service will not replace the option of a standard UDRP proceeding, it will allow for a panel ruling within one month of commencement of proceedings.

Should a complainant wish to consider this expedited option, the following factors should be noted:

• Panel Size – expedited services are only available for cases with a one-member panel.
• Administrative Fees – for a case involving between 1 and 5 disputed domains, expedited services will have an administrative fee of $4000 rather than the standard UDRP service fee of $1500.

Revised Fee Schedule

Occasionally, UDRP complainants request termination of proceedings before receiving a panel decision, sometimes as a result of successful settlement efforts or other factors outside of the UDRP process. Historically, WIPO has refunded a portion of the administrative fee if a complainant requests termination of the proceeding after formal notification of the respondent, but before a panel has been appointed (e.g., refunding $1000 of the $1500 fee for a proceeding involving 1 to 5 disputed domains and a single panelist request).

The revised fee schedule provides the following additional guidance:

• Termination Prior to Formal Notification of Respondent – If a complainant requests termination of the proceedings before formal notification of respondent, WIPO will retain only $100 of the administrative fee.
• Termination After Formal Notification of Respondent – WIPO will continue to retain $500 of the administrative fee for cases after respondent has been formally notified.

Updated Model UDRP Complaint

In concert with the above procedural changes, WIPO has also provided an updated Model Complaint which can be located here.