The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) announced an update to its UDRP fee schedule and introduced a new priority service for domain name dispute resolution.
These changes reflect the evolving DNS and online enforcement landscape. After more than 25 years of administering the UDRP, WIPO is adapting its services to better address the operational needs of brand owners.
The announcement introduces two key developments:
- a priority service for expedited UDRP case processing, and
- a revised fee structure for cases terminated before formal notification.
New Priority UDRP Service (Decision within One Month)
WIPO is introducing a priority case management service allowing parties to obtain a decision within approximately one month from filing in UDRP proceedings.
This service is intended for situations where rights holders require rapid resolution, such as cases involving active phishing, fraud, or harmful cybersquatting activities.
The process remains governed by the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP), meaning that certain procedural timelines still apply, including the mandatory 20-day response period for respondents.
To ensure faster processing:
- cases will be handled by a dedicated WIPO team,
- decisions will be rendered by a special roster of panelists.
Eligibility for this priority process requires relatively straightforward cases, including:
- no request for a three-member panel,
- prompt payment of fees (preferably via credit card or WIPO Current Account),
- timely cooperation from the registrar in line with ICANN obligations.
For cases involving 1 to 5 domain names with the same registrant, the total fee is USD 4,000:
- USD 1,000 payable to WIPO,
- USD 3,000 payable to the panel.
This new service applies to UDRP cases and ccTLDs that have adopted the UDRP framework.
Reduced Fees for Early Case Withdrawal
WIPO has also introduced a reduced fee for cases withdrawn before formal notification to the respondent.
When a complaint is filed, the registrar typically provides WIPO with the underlying registrant data hidden behind privacy or proxy services. This information is then transmitted to the complainant.
In some situations, the complainant may decide to withdraw the case immediately after reviewing the revealed registrant information.
This may occur when:
- the registrant turns out to be a licensee of the complainant,
- the domain name corresponds to the registrant’s personal name,
- the registrant operates a legitimate business coexisting with the complainant.
If the complaint is withdrawn before formal notification, WIPO will retain only USD 100 for administrative processing (for cases involving 1–5 domain names) and refund the remainder of the filing fees.
If the case is withdrawn after notification, WIPO will continue to retain USD 500.
A Practical Evolution of the UDRP Framework
These updates demonstrate WIPO’s effort to adapt the UDRP system to the realities of modern online brand enforcement:
- faster resolution options for urgent cases,
- cost reductions where cases become unnecessary after registrant identification.
WIPO has also released an updated model complaint template to assist parties in preparing their filings.