Nominet UK alters dispute resolution procedures

Nominet UK alters dispute resolution procedures

Nominet UK, the registry for Internet domain names ending '.uk', has overhauled its dispute resolution procedures following consultation with law firms and other bodies.At present, 99% of domain registrations are unchallenged, and allocated on a first-come basis.

However, when challenged by a third party, the case is referred to Nominet.

The old dispute resolution comprised mediation, a decision by Nominet, and if necessary, ajudication by an independent panel.

The new procedures emphasise 'bad faith' registrations - cybersquatting - and decisions will be made public.'Under previous guidelines, it was unclear what registrations were made in bad faith, where companies bought domain names with the intention of causing problems, and what were made innocently,' a spokeswoman said.

'Now, we have clearer criteria as to what constitutes bad faith.'Victoria MacCallum