Domain name dispute guide
A domain dispute is decided by rights, evidence and the policy for its extension
Registration alone does not settle every claim to a name. For .UK domains, Nominet’s Dispute Resolution Service considers whether the complainant has rights in a similar name and whether the registration is abusive. Global extensions such as .com usually follow the ICANN UDRP. Preserve evidence and obtain legal advice when the risk is material.
What should I do when a dispute begins?
- 1Do not ignore it
Record the date received and any response deadline. Verify who sent the notice and which domain it concerns.
- 2Preserve evidence
Save registration records, invoices, dated website copies, emails, branding work and proof of how the name was chosen.
- 3Check the correct policy
Identify the extension and registrar. .UK DRS and the UDRP are different procedures with different tests.
- 4Assess professional advice
Seek legal help before admitting liability, transferring a valuable name or making threats of your own.
How does a .UK domain dispute work?
Nominet’s DRS is intended to resolve .UK domain disputes without the usual cost of court proceedings. A complainant needs rights, such as trade mark or other enforceable rights, in a name that is the same as or similar to the domain and must argue that the domain is an abusive registration.
Complaint and response
The parties submit evidence and arguments under the DRS procedure. Missing a deadline can seriously weaken a response.
Mediation
Nominet-trained mediators continue to offer free mediation as part of the process.
Expert decision
If the matter is not settled, an independent expert can decide it under the DRS policy and procedure.
Administration from July 2026
New cases from 7 July 2026 are administered by WIPO on Nominet’s behalf. Nominet retains the policy and overall direction.
Use Nominet’s current Domain Disputes page for the live procedure, forms and fees.
What about .com, .net and other global domains?
Many global extensions use the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy, commonly called the UDRP. A complainant generally needs to establish confusing similarity to a trade mark, lack of the registrant’s rights or legitimate interests, and registration and use in bad faith. Some country-code and newer extensions use different policies, so check the relevant registry and registrar.
How can a business reduce domain dispute risk?
Search before registering
Check company names, trade marks, search results and obvious spelling variants before investing in a name.
Register honestly
Use accurate holder details and record the legitimate reason the business selected the domain.
Avoid imitation
Do not copy another brand, divert its customers or publish a site designed to look official when it is not.
Keep a clean record
Retain invoices, design files, dated plans and evidence of genuine trading or preparations to trade.
Domain dispute questions
Does owning a trade mark guarantee I win?
No. The applicable policy and evidence still determine the outcome.
Can UKC decide who should own the domain?
UKC must follow registry, dispute-provider and legal instructions. It cannot replace the independent dispute process.
Should I transfer the domain after receiving a complaint?
Do not make an impulsive transfer. A lock or active proceeding may apply, and professional advice may be appropriate.
Can a dispute go to court?
Yes. Alternative dispute procedures do not remove all court options or legal rights.
Need account records?
Ask UKC about registrar information, not legal strategy
UKC can help identify the service and applicable account details. Legal advice must come from a qualified adviser.