NEW gTLDs URS
Uniform Rapid Suspension System
Starting from 2005 a development process was initiated in order to introduce into the domain name space new gTLDs to allow more innovation, choice and change to the Internet’s addressing system. The New gTLD Program was launched in 2011 and the application for new gTLDs began in January 2012. First new gTLDs were delegated in October 2013 (among these, for example, .equipment, .guru, .clothing, .bike, .sexy, etc.). The expansion of new gTLDs is underway and over 1.200 new extensions or “strings” have already become available: ICANN delegated strings.
Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) system
With the introduction of the new gTLDs the Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) system, as one of the trademark-related rights protection mechanisms, was implemented to supplement the existing Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP).
URS is a lower-cost, faster path to relief for rights holders experiencing clear-cut cases of trademark infringement caused by domain name registrations.
URS is not intended to replace the UDRP, but to complement it. The URS and UDRP have separate procedures with distinct timelines and remedies. The UDRP is designed to result in the cancellation or transfer of the abusive domain name, while the URS results in the suspension of a domain name for the balance of the registration period (extendable for an additional year). Right holders might utilize either or both procedures. There is no requirement to use one procedure before the other.
URS applies to all New gTLDs, some of the so-called legacy gTLDs (.asia, .biz, .cat, .info, .jobs, .mobi, .museum, .org, .pro, .tel, .travel, .xxx) and some ccTLDs (.pw).
A URS complaint must be submitted directly to URS Provider approved by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
The URS proceeding will be conducted pursuant to the approved URS Procedure, URS Rules and the URS Provider’s Supplemental Rules.
As mentioned the only remedy available under URS is the suspension of the domain name, which means that the domain name will not resolve to the original website, but will redirect to an informational website of the dispute resolution provider (take down) and the original nameservers will be substituted. The ownership of the domain name will remain with the original registrant until the expiry.
The use of the URS (as of the UDRP) does not preclude any other remedies as may be available in a court of competent jurisdiction.
MFSD and URS
MFSD is an ICANN approved URS domain name dispute resolution provider since 2015.
RULES
FORMS
Before completing and submitting any form, we recommend to familiarize with the Uniform Rapid Suspension System Procedure (the URS Procedure), approved by ICANN on March 1, 2013, with the Uniform Rapid Suspension System Rules (the URS Rules), approved by ICANN on June 28, 2013, the Temporary Specification for gTLD Registration Data approved by ICANN on May 17, 2018 (the Temporary Specification) and with MFSD's Supplemental Rules for URS (the Supplemental Rules).
FEES
MFSD's URS domain dispute management fees depend on the number of the disputed domain names. We charge a fixed fee for no. 1 domain name and additional fees for each additional domain name in the same Complaint. The secure online payment facility enables the filers to pay the fees by credit card.
EXAMINERS
MFSD lists highly qualified and globally diversified IP professionals as neutrals: the Examiners.
The Examiners are professionals (lawyers, IP attorneys, arbitrators, mediators, judges) of multiple jurisdictions with language skills, experienced in cross-border IP disputes, in ADR procedures, neutrals and/or representatives in proceedings concerning gTLDs (UDRP), various ccTLDs and .eu.