What is the Dispute Resolution Service?

Our Dispute Resolution Service (DRS) offers an efficient and transparent method of resolving disputes in the .uk Top Level Domain. Through the DRS we seek to settle .uk domain name disputes through mediation, and where this is not possible, through an independent expert decision.

Why disputes happen

We accept .uk domain name registrations on a 'first-registered, first-served basis'.  Almost all of these registrations are problem-free, but about 1 in 2,000 causes someone to make a complaint. This might be based on a trade mark law, or because the domain name has been registered by an ex-employee who is unhappy with their old boss.

Why use the DRS?

For most people the court system is too expensive and difficult, so we provide the DRS as a fair and quick way of dealing with these disputes.

We act as a neutral body helping the parties to find a solution. If that is not possible, we provide the DRS so that the parties can request an independent expert decision to settle their dispute.


Read more about how the Dispute Resolution Service works.