In a constantly evolving digital landscape, domain name management is crucial for businesses, governments, and individuals. Today, the release of our new study offers a detailed overview of dispute resolution procedures for country code top-level domains (ccTLDs), illustrating regional and institutional differences across the globe.
ccTLDs, such as .fr for France or .jp for Japan, allow users to signal their geographic, cultural, or legal connection to a specific territory. However, the proliferation of websites and the growing commercial value of domain names have led to an increase in conflicts surrounding these extensions. Our study examines how disputes involving ccTLDs are managed, highlighting regions with or without a formal dispute resolution mechanism.
Our data analysis shows that unfortunately, over one-third of ccTLDs lack any formal procedure, exposing brand holders to the risk of cybersquatting, particularly in regions where formal recourse is limited. On the other hand, nearly half of the ccTLDs with an extrajudicial procedure apply the UDRP or a local adaptation of this policy.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) remains the main reference for domain name dispute administration, handling over 55% of ccTLDs equipped with DRPs. Many countries also rely on national centers for customized solutions, offering an alternative for rights holders in a less standardized framework.
Our findings reveal significant disparities: 65% of countries in Europe, America, and Oceania have established formal dispute resolution mechanisms, thus providing increased brand protection. In contrast, Africa shows a lower but growing adoption rate, with ongoing efforts to harmonize practices.
This comprehensive study on ccTLD dispute resolution policies provides an exhaustive overview and recommendations to promote procedural harmonization. Through these efforts, we aim to better protect brand holders and provide effective solutions against cybersquatting.
To read the full study and learn more about our recommendations, click here.
