Early Case Termination

When a UDRP case is filed, as part of its due process case notification responsibilities, WIPO obtains the registrant contact information from the registrar which is typically masked behind a privacy or proxy service (or “name redacted” scenario). This information is then relayed to the complainant to provide them with an opportunity to amend their complaint.

In some cases, rather than an amendment, a complainant may immediately request termination of the case before formal case notification to the respondent.

This may occur, for example, where the complaint is filed against a “John Doe” respondent, but after confirmation of registrant contact information the complainant discovers – merely as some common examples:

  • it becomes clear that the parties have been in prior contact, or there is a desire to engage in settlement or purchase negotiations;
  • the underlying registrant is identified as a licensee of the complainant;
  • the registrant is able to assert a defense that could not reasonably have been known before filing the complaint, such as:

    • the registrant’s personal name corresponds to the domain name; or
    • the registrant reflects a legitimate business that co-exists with the complainant (e.g., same business name used in different jurisdictions or for different goods or services).
In cases where the complaint is withdrawn before the case officially commences, WIPO will refund the majority of case filing fees, as a reflection of its limited administrative case processing and compliance review work.

Fee Structure

  • Prior to case commencement: If the Complainant requests to withdraw its case before the case is officially notified to the respondent, WIPO will retain an administration fee of 100 USD for (1 to 5 domain names).
  • Prior to panel appointment: If the Complainant requests to withdraw its case after the case commences, but before a panel is appointed (typically because the parties settle the case), WIPO will retain an administration fee of 500 USD for (1 to 5 domain names).
  • After panel appointment: If the Complainant requests case termination after the panel is appointed, no refund is provided and the request will be considered by the appointed panel.

Additional Information

  • To assist parties in preparing their cases, WIPO has provided an updated model complaint template
  • For active UDRP complaints, please contact your case manager by email referencing your WIPO case number.
  • For general questions about Early Case Termination please call us at + 41 22 338 8247 or send an email to domain.info@wipo.int.