Uniform Rapid Suspension
URS(S) is the abbreviation for Uniform Rapid Suspension (System). It was designed exclusively to provide trademark owners with a quick and a low-cost process to take down websites infringing on their intellectual property rights.[1] The URSS was proposed by the trademark groups within ICANN in an endeavor to cut back the large number of trademark infringements, including cybersquatting.[2][3]
ICANN is currently in the process of searching for URS arbitrators in the price range of $300-$500/arbitration.[4] They have reported that they are having trouble securing providers at that low of a price point. ICANN plans to have the system finalized by ICANN 45 in Toronto, Canada.
Functioning of the URSS[edit | edit source]
URS is intended to provide a fast procedure to deal with clear cases of infringement. When a trademark holder files a complaint, the registrar immediately freezes the domain. The registrar then notifies to the company against which the complaint has been filed. The company then has 14 days to submit a response. If there is no reply from the company in 14 days, or if the response provided by the company is not reasonable, the domain name is suspended by the registry immediately.[5] The domain name will not be deleted or transferred to the trademark owner, rather, the domain name will point to a mandatory URS placeholder page for the remaining registration period, unless the decision is reversed. The loser of the proceedings must pay for them.[6]
Difference between URS and UDRP[edit | edit source]
The URSS was set up to provide trademark owners a fast and effective way to protect their trademarks, as an alternative to the Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP). The main difference between the URSS and UDRP]is that the URSS is stricter, and not anyone can file for URS. Unlike with UDRP, with URSS the domain name is never transferred; it stays with the owner though the owner is not able to have online active service for the rest of its registration. Also, unlike with UDRP, the URSS has an appeals process.[7]
References[edit | edit source]