From 1 October 2009, SIDN, the .nl registry, is offering a mediation service. If someone gets involved in a dispute about a .nl domain name, you can ask an SIDN mediator for assistance.
The mediation process is intended to help people involved in disputes to find a solution without going to court or referring the case to a dispute resolution lawyer. There is no charge for using the mediation service, which forms part of SIDN’s dispute resolution system for .nl domain names.
Resolving disputes by mediation
The registration and assignment of .nl domain names normally goes very smoothly. Relative to the total number of registrations, the number of disputes and complaints is small. Occasionally, however, a person or organisation is unhappy about the registration of a particular name, because they believe it infringes their rights. The aggrieved party can take the case to court, or can use the quicker and cheaper option of action under the Dispute Resolution Regulations for .nl Domain Names. That involves referring the matter to the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center (www.wipo.int), where the case is judged by an independent lawyer specialising in the law on domain names and intellectual property rights. From 1 October, a new feature is being added to SIDN’s dispute resolution system. The two sides in a dispute will be able to talk to a mediator before the case is considered by the WIPO lawyer. Mediation gives the two sides the chance to work out a solution that suits them both, instead of leaving a WIPO lawyer to make a decision, or taking the case to court. In connection with the introduction of optional mediation, the Dispute Resolution Regulations are being revised.
For more information visit : www.sidn.nl