Uniform Rapid Suspension System (URS)

How it Works

Respond to Claim

Rules & Fees

FAQ

Other Policies

The URS is a policy to consider when you have a dispute over a domain name that:

Incorporates a generic top-level domain (gTLD) that was introduced after June 2013 (or in cases where the TLD has adopted the URS);
Involves a registered trademark;
Is a clear-cut case of infringement; and
There is no interest in gaining possession of the domain name.

Complainants pay a very affordable flat fee to submit a 500-word Complaint outlining how the domain name registrant has registered a domain name that (i) is identical or confusingly similar to a trademark in which Complainant has rights, (ii) the Registrant has no rights to or legitimate interests in, and (iii) has been registered and is being used in bad faith. After the Complaint is submitted to FORUM, domain name registrant, also known as the Respondent, has an opportunity to respond before a panel is appointed.

How URS Works

URS cases are handled entirely via an online case filing and management system. Examiners are located around the world and specialize in trademark or domain name law. Once a decision is reached, FORUM publishes the decision through an online database and the Registry will either suspend the domain name or release it back to the Registrant, as ordered by the Examiner. To learn more, use the links below to review the Procedure, Rules and Fees.

Complaint Filed (Day 1)
Case Commenced (Day 1-2)
Response Period (Day 2-16)
Examiner Appointed (Day 16)
Determination Issued (Day 21)

Responding to a URS Complaint

Please note that when responding to a URS Complaint, there is an encrypted link contained in the body of the email sent by FORUM. If the email has been deleted or is otherwise no longer accessible, please contact us.

URS Procedure, Rules, Fees and Resources

Looking for more information? See below to review the URS Procedures, Rules, Fees, and helpful links to documents and videos to assist in filing a Complaint or a Response.

URS, Rules & Fees

Instructions

Links

URS Procedure

URS Rules

FORUM's Supplemental Rules

URS Fee Schedule

URS FAQ

What is FORUM and what authorization does it have to conduct these proceedings?

FORUM is a neutral dispute resolution company. FORUM has been accepted by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to administer disputes that arise from the infringing registration of domain names. The registration of a generic top-level domains (gTLD) that was introduced after June 2013 or a registration where the TLD has adopted the URS, acts as an agreement to participate in the URS process. The person or entity claiming trademark infringement agrees to the process upon filing of the Complaint.

What if I have a question about a URS case?

A case coordinator is assigned to each matter to direct it through the process. The coordinator’s email address appears at the bottom of emails sent on the case and is assigned after a Complaint is filed. FORUM’s case coordinators are happy to answer any procedural questions but must not provide any legal advice. Coordinators are best reached by email. After a case is filed, please remember the other party should be copied on any correspondence to FORUM. General pre-filing questions should be sent to domaindispute@adrforum.com.

What file formats does FORUM accept?

See Annex A to FORUM’s Supplemental Rules for the most current list of acceptable file types.

When are fees due?

Submissions are not considered complete until FORUM receives payment and the URS filing system will not allow the filing to move forward until payment by credit card is made. For more information on how to file a URS Complaint, including videos, please visit the Instructions tab above.

How do I pay fees?

Complainants must pay by credit card during the filing process on the online filing portal.

Checks are not accepted for filing fees for URS cases, as the payment must be received at the time of filing so the case moves rapidly.

Can my name be removed from the determination posted on FORUM’s website?

No, the cases on the website are closed. If the Examiner is to consider redaction, the request must be made during the proceedings in formal submissions.

Can FORUM remove the entire determination posted on the website?

No, FORUM is required to post determinations in their entirety, except for exceptional circumstances in which an Examiner may decide to redact portions of the determination.

Are copies of pleadings available from old cases?

Subject to document retention policies, if you are a party or a party representative to the case, email FORUM at domaindispute@adrforum.com (preferably from an email address associated with the case you had with us) and provide your name, contact information and the FORUM file number (FA number) associated with the case. Requests may require an affidavit or other evidence of identity.

If you are not a party or party representative to the case, FORUM will require a subpoena for case documents. Email domaindispute@adrforum.com for information on where to direct the subpoena.

Are URS determinations subject to appeal?

Appeals are allowed as part of the URS process; however, Complainant cannot appeal a Default Determination. See URS Rule 19(f). If a Complainant does not prevail and a Response has been received, it is considered a Final Determination and can be appealed within the URS process. See URS Rule 19 for more information.Either party may bring an action in a court of competent jurisdiction before, during, or after a URS case. If brought before a URS is filed, the court action must be identified in the Complaint. See URS Rule 3(b)(viii). If brought while a URS case is pending, it must be brought to the attention of the Examiner and FORUM. See URS Rule 17.

Can I add/remove a domain name to my case after it is filed?

No. The case must be withdrawn and refiled. At this time, no amendment of a URS Complaint is allowed. See FORUM’s Supp. Rule 4(d).

Must a response filed online be served on the Complainant?

No. Once a Response is filed online, Complainant will be automatically notified of the filing and can view it online.

May a party request a three-member panel in a URS case?

No. One Examiner will be appointed by FORUM. See URS Procedures 7.1.

Decision and Panelist Search

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Other Policies & Resources

Uniform Rapid Suspension System (URS)

The URS is a policy to consider when you have a dispute over a domain name that:

How URS Works

Responding to a URS Complaint

URS Procedure, Rules, Fees and Resources

Looking for more information? See below to review the URS Procedures, Rules, Fees, and helpful links to documents and videos to assist in filing a Complaint or a Response.

URS FAQ

Decision and Panelist Search

Search Decisions

Search Panelists

Other Policies & Resources

UDRP

usTLDs

ccTLDs

gTLDs

Registry Specific or Custom

Third-Level

ADR Services

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