What is UDRP?

UDRP (Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy) is an international process for resolving domain name disputes without going to court. Created by ICANN, it provides a faster and cheaper way to recover domains that infringe on your trademark.

If someone registers a domain using your Shopify brand name in bad faith, UDRP can help you get it back.

When UDRP is the Right Choice

UDRP works best when:

The domain contains your trademark
The registrant has no legitimate interest in the domain
The domain was registered in bad faith
You want the domain transferred (not monetary damages)
You need resolution faster than court litigation

UDRP does not award monetary damages. For compensation, you’d need to pursue litigation.

Requirements for a Successful UDRP Complaint

You must prove all three elements:

1. The Domain is Identical or Confusingly Similar

The domain must contain your trademark or be close enough to cause confusion. yourbrand-shop.com for a brand called “YourBrand” would qualify.

2. The Registrant Has No Legitimate Interest

The registrant isn’t using the domain for a legitimate purpose, isn’t known by the domain name, and isn’t making legitimate noncommercial use.

3. Bad Faith Registration and Use

Evidence includes:

Registering to sell to the trademark owner at inflated prices
Preventing the trademark owner from using their brand
Disrupting a competitor’s business
Attempting to confuse consumers for profit

The UDRP Process

Step 1: Choose a Provider

UDRP complaints are handled by approved providers:

WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) - most popular
NAF (National Arbitration Forum)
ADR Forum

Step 2: File Your Complaint

Submit a formal complaint including:

Your trademark documentation
Evidence of the domain’s bad faith registration
Proof of customer confusion or damage
Contact information for both parties

Step 3: Response Period

The registrant has 20 days to respond to your complaint. Many don’t respond, which typically favors the complainant.

Step 4: Panel Decision

An appointed panelist reviews the case and issues a decision, usually within 14 days of the response deadline.

Step 5: Implementation

If you win, the domain is transferred to you within 10 days (unless the registrant files a court action).

Costs and Timeline

Costs

Single-panelist decision: $1,300-$1,500
Three-panelist decision: $3,000-$4,000
Legal fees (optional but recommended): $1,000-$5,000

Timeline

Filing to decision: 45-60 days typically
Transfer after decision: 10 days
Total process: About 2-3 months

Alternatives to UDRP

URS (Uniform Rapid Suspension)

Faster and cheaper than UDRP ($375), but only suspends the domain—doesn’t transfer it to you. Good for immediate threats while pursuing full UDRP.

Direct Negotiation

Sometimes contacting the registrant directly resolves the issue, especially if they weren’t intentionally infringing.

Registrar Abuse Policies

Many registrars have their own abuse policies and may take action on clear trademark violations.

Court Litigation

For cases requiring damages or involving complex facts, traditional litigation may be necessary.

How Recon Helps

Recon supports your domain protection by:

Detecting infringing domain registrations early
Gathering evidence of registration dates and usage
Providing documentation useful for UDRP complaints
Tracking the status of domains you’re disputing

FAQ

Q: Do I need a lawyer for UDRP?

A: While not required, legal representation significantly improves outcomes, especially for contested cases. For straightforward cases against non-responding registrants, self-filing is possible.

Q: What if I lose the UDRP case?

A: You can file a court action within 10 days to prevent the decision from being implemented. You may also be able to refile with additional evidence.

Q: Can the registrant appeal a UDRP decision?

A: Not through UDRP itself, but they can file a court action to challenge the decision. This rarely happens in clear-cut cases.

UDRP: Reclaiming Domains That Abuse Your Shopify Brand