Domain name disputes: Nominet DRS and UDRP explained

By George Morina · Guide · 22 October 2026

If someone has registered a domain that matches your brand, or someone claims your domain matches theirs, there are low-cost procedures that avoid court in most cases.

.uk names: Nominet's DRS

.uk disputes go through Nominet's Dispute Resolution Service (DRS). From 7 July 2026, according to Nominet's service update, cases are administered by WIPO, while the DRS policy stays with Nominet. Free mediation remains available. Start at Nominet's disputes page.

WIPO's fee page for .uk lists:

Step	Fee
Expert decision	£750
Summary decision (when the respondent has not replied; complainant only)	£200
Appeal	£3,000 (£300 non-refundable deposit, then £2,700 within 15 days)

WIPO states these fees are not subject to VAT.

.com and other generic domains: UDRP

Generic domains use the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP). WIPO is one of several approved providers. WIPO's UDRP fees include:

Case	Fee (USD)
1–5 domains, single panelist	$1,500
6–10 domains, single panelist	$2,000
1–5 domains, three panelists	$4,000

In March 2026 WIPO announced an expedited UDRP option costing USD 4,000, with a decision in about one month.

What panels look at

Broadly, the complainant has to show rights in a name or mark, that the registrant has no legitimate interest, and bad faith. The exact tests differ between the DRS and the UDRP, so read the policy that applies.

For buyers

A domain that copies a known brand can be lost in a dispute even after you have paid for it. Check the trade mark register before you buy (see our buying guide).

This is general information, not legal advice. Fees are from the sources above as checked on 22 October 2026 and can change.

Sources

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