Domain Name Disputes
(UDRP Proceedings)

Protect Your Brand. Reclaim Your Domain.

A domain name has been registered that infringes on your brand or business identity. It may have been acquired by a competitor, cybersquatter, or scammer, and you may still be able to recover it through a fast, affordable legal process known as the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (“UDRP”).

At Lieb at Law, P.C., we represent companies, entrepreneurs, brokers, and talent professionals in UDRP proceedings before ICANN-accredited dispute providers like WIPO. Our litigation first mindset ensures your case is positioned to win.

Why UDRP Matters

  • No need to go to court
  • Cost-effective and fast (decisions in ~60 days)
  • Global enforcement mechanism
  • Immediate remedy: transfer or cancel infringing domain

Who We Represent

We litigate UDRP cases across industries:

  • Real Estate & PropTech: brokerages, MLS platforms, listing aggregators
  • Hospitality & Retail: hotels, restaurants, e-commerce businesses
  • Professional Services: law firms, accountants, consultants
  • Entertainment & Talent: actors, voice actors, models, influencers, musicians

Common Scenarios

  • A former agent or employee is using your company name in a domain.
  • A cybersquatter registered your name to demand a payout.
  • A scammer is impersonating your brand in emails or ads.
  • Your stage name or professional alias is being misused online.
  • Someone registers a domain name similar to a real estate brokerage to impersonate the firm and solicit clients or leads.
  • Domains are registered that appear to be official hotel sites but are used to trick consumers into fraudulent bookings.
  • Competitors or cybersquatters register a restaurant’s brand as a domain, especially before the brand expands or franchises.
  • Domains resembling retail brands are used for fake shops or phishing schemes.
  • Domains registered with an actor or influencer’s name used to host fake profiles, impersonation scams, or sell counterfeit merchandise.
  • Talent names or entertainment brand domains are used to offer false booking or management services.
  • Someone buys the domain of a rising public figure or group name to profit from ads, merch, or resell later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the UDRP?

The Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (“UDRP”) is a legal framework created by ICANN to resolve disputes over domain names outside of court. It enables rightful trademark owners to recover or cancel domains registered in bad faith.

2. Who decides UDRP cases?

Cases are decided by arbitration panels at providers like the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) or the Forum (NAF). Lieb at Law presents your case through written submissions, which are reviewed and ruled on within weeks.

3. How long does a UDRP case take?

Typically 45 to 60 days from filing to decision.

4. What are the elements of a UDRP claim?

You must prove:
– The domain name is identical or confusingly similar to your trademark;
– The registrant has no legitimate rights in the name; &
– The domain was registered and is being used in bad faith.

5. Do I need a registered trademark to file?

No. Common law (unregistered) trademark rights can be sufficient, especially in fields like real estate, hospitality, and entertainment where brand reputation is well established.

6. What remedies are available?

You can request the domain name be transferred to you or canceled.

7. Can I sue in court instead?

Yes, but UDRP offers a faster and less expensive alternative. Court litigation is still available if needed.

8. Can real estate brokers use UDRP?

Absolutely. We’ve handled cases where independent brokers or entire firms had their names hijacked in URLs to confuse clients or divert traffic.

9. What if I operate in multiple states or countries?

UDRP applies internationally. It doesn’t matter where you or the infringer are located. What matters is ownership and use of the domain.

10. What if someone registered a domain with my name to hurt my acting or voiceover career?

Voice actors, models, influencers, and performers often have brand value tied to their names. If someone is using your name in a domain to divert work, impersonate you, or damage your reputation, you have a claim.

11. Is there a way to stop this from happening in the future?

Yes. We counsel on preventative strategies like defensive domain registrations and digital brand enforcement protocols.

12. How much does a UDRP case cost?

Costs vary depending on the number of domains and respondents involved. Inquire with Lieb at Law for pricing.

13. What happens if I lose the UDRP case?

If you lose a UDRP case, there is no monetary penalty under the UDRP process. You simply do not obtain the transfer or cancellation of the domain, and you remain free to pursue a lawsuit in a court with jurisdiction over the registrant or registrar. However, if the panel determines that your complaint was brought in bad faith (known as reverse domain name hijacking), this finding will be noted in the decision and could damage your credibility in future proceedings. Even in that situation, the UDRP itself imposes no financial fine.

14. Can I remain anonymous?

Generally, no. UDRP filings are public. However, we can advise on minimizing exposure where appropriate.

15. Can I recover damages through UDRP?

No. The only remedies are transfer or cancellation. If you seek monetary damages, court litigation is necessary.

Why Lieb at Law?

We combine litigation skill with digital fluency. Our team understands not just the law, but how the internet works; from domains to DNS, from impersonation scams to real-world business damage. Let us protect your name and your business.

Take Control of Your Digital Identity

Contact Lieb at Law today to review your case. We’ll assess whether you qualify for UDRP and advise on the best next steps to reclaim your name.