Incumbents Opposed to UDRP Reform

Two largest UDRP providers opposed to UDRP reform.

The two largest UDRP providers — National Arbitration Forum (NAF) and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) — are opposed to reforming the UDRP at this time.

Representatives of NAF and WIPO made statements this morning on an ICANN conference call regarding “The State of the UDRP”.

WIPO also released a written statement that you can view here.

It seems that intellectual property interests are concerned that reform is being pushed by people who want to reduce the protections afforded rights holders.

Here is one telling excerpt from WIPO’s statement:

The anticipated ICANN process does not inspire confidence that it would meet these standards. Even when it comes to trademark policies, IP institutionally appears to occupy only a minor ICANN role. Indeed, the more vocal advocacy observed thus far does not suggest a desire to enhance the UDRP’s effectiveness as a rights protection vehicle.

In other words, it’s domain owners that are pushing for UDRP reform and IP interests wouldn’t be able to get their way.

I don’t know that I agree — I think IP interests would manage to push through a lot on their behalf.

However, existing providers did say there are some procedural issues that need to be addressed.