“As you know, new domain names (new gLTDs) are being created. As a result of these new extensions, the number of domain names reserved is expected to quadruple.
In anticipation of the litigations against domain names reserved with these new extensions (cyber-squatting, typo-squatting etc.), ICANN has started promoting a new conflict resolution procedure known as the Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS).
This procedure was created to fulfill two main objectives:
– swiftness, since the URS procedure only concerns clear-cut cases of trademark rights infringement and has a short timeframe (determination delivered within less than a month);
– low cost, since ICANN’s taxes are not supposed to be very high.
It is important to note that this procedure requires proof of prior trademark use as a basis for complaint, except in the case where the contested trademark was registered with the TMCH.
The sole purpose of this procedure is to have the contentious domain name suspended until its expiration.