Domain owner organization wants ICANN to review expedited UDRP proposals.
Internet Commerce Association has sent a letter to ICANN, asking it to halt plans by two domain name arbitration providers to introduce different version of expedited UDRPs.
The plans by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and Czech Arbitration Court (CAC) represent a major overhaul of UDRP policy, yet both organizations are trying to institute the change by merely adjusting their supplemental rules. WIPO has even suggested that it doesn’t need ICANN’s permission to make the change.
Although both providers have different plans, they basically allow complainants to pay lower fees and get results faster in what they call “clear cut” cases. CAC’s plan calls for fees of just 500 EUR per case.
In its letter, ICA counsel Philip S. Corwin writes “We believe that such changes are significant policy initiatives that can only be implemented following GNSO review and ICANN Board approval.”
By offering expedited UDRPs, these arbitration forums hope to attract more business through forum shopping. If they start offering the service, expect National Arbitration Forum to follow.
To get a better understanding of the makeup and thought process behind WIPO arbitrators, take a few moments to peruse through presentations they made during their 10th anniversary forum.
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