UNIFORM DOMAIN NAME DISPUTE RESOLUTION POLICY

Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy

Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy

Introduction

UDRP refers to Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy. It is a process which is established by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) for the purpose of resolution of disputes and conflicts regarding the registration of internet domain names. The UDRP currently applies to all top level domains. The purpose of this paper is to identify the need and importance of uniform domain name dispute resolution policy along with the consequent importance of us legal system in developing legal issues concerning information technology. The various issues and challenges experienced by domain names in terms of disputes and conflicts are resolved by the assistance of UDRP.

Discussion

Internet is a vast space with billions of users continuously involved in various tasks. This raises the concerns and possibilities for conflicts and disputes in case of any inappropriate collisions. It can be stated that UDRP enables the registrars in empowering them to resolve these issues in light of policies and pre-defined guidelines. The registrars usually utilize the policies entailed in UDRP to determine the depth of conflicts and measures in order to overcome these disputes (Matorin, 2001).

As the use of computer technology has increased and become an indispensable tool to the business environment, the number of cyber related threats have increased as well. These threats are of a malicious intent and have caused many issues within the business cyber environment. Organizations must increasingly utilize the Internet in order to compete effectively in the market environment of 21st century. The Internet provides both dangers and benefits for organizations. Most organizations utilizing the internet have only minimal knowledge of the potential damages that may be inflicted upon them by cyber attacks and are, therefore, not proactive in gaining current knowledge of hacking and virus threats.

UDRP plays an important role in resolution of such disputes and conflicts over the internet domain names. The individuals and businesses operating over the large cyberspace frequently face the issues related to domain names such as duplication of names, similarities for deception, and other related problems (Bettinger, 1997). These challenges are resolved under the policies of UDRP. The US legal system also acknowledges the UDRP as the resource for resolving conflicts under certain circumstances. There are various flaws in UDRP as per criticisms. Some courts disregard UDRP or do not affirm its prevalence. However, the UDRP holds a significant position in near future for legal systems when the appropriate amendments are made within the policy for enhancing its horizons.

Brief Overview

Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) bears the responsibility of developing the processes and policies such as UDRP for the resolution of conflicts regarding the registration of internet domain names (Evans, 2001). The internet domains are purchased by the wide range of users which needs to be distinguishable and distinct by other trademarks names. This posed a challenge in the field of business and operating giants which needed unique domains to represent ...