Overview

Domain Name Disputes

For most businesses, your domain name is how customers find you. So when someone registers a domain that’s identical or confusingly similar to your brand — a cybersquatter hoping you’ll pay to get it back, or a competitor diverting your traffic — it’s a problem worth fixing quickly.

We act in domain name disputes under both the Australian (.au) and international dispute resolution processes. Our lawyers are some of the most experienced in the country at running these disputes, and we act on both sides — for brand owners recovering domains, and for legitimate registrants defending them.

What is the auDRP?

The .au Dispute Resolution Policy (auDRP) is the process for resolving disputes over .au domain names, including .com.au, .net.au and .au direct. It’s administered by approved providers on behalf of auDA, the body that regulates the .au namespace.

To win an auDRP complaint, you need to prove three things: that the domain is identical or confusingly similar to a name or trade mark you have rights in, that the registrant has no rights or legitimate interests in the domain, and that the domain was registered or later used in bad faith. If the complaint succeeds, the panel can order the domain transferred to you or cancelled.

The auDRP is faster and far cheaper than going to court. Most disputes are decided within a couple of months of filing, on the papers, without a hearing.

What is the UDRP?

The Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) is the international equivalent, covering .com, .net, .org and most other global domain extensions. Complaints are decided by providers such as the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center.

The test is similar to the auDRP, with one important difference: under the UDRP you must prove the domain was registered and used in bad faith, while the auDRP only requires one or the other. That makes the .au process somewhat more complainant-friendly — and makes choosing the right strategy, evidence and arguments critical under either policy.

auDA audits and complaints

Not every .au domain problem needs a formal dispute. Every .au domain must comply with auDA’s Licensing Rules — the registrant needs an Australian presence and a legitimate connection to the domain name. We handle auDA licensing complaints and audits from both directions: challenging domains held in breach of the rules, and defending registrants whose eligibility has been questioned or whose domains are under audit.

What we do

Recover domains from cybersquatters. We prepare and file complaints under the auDRP and UDRP, building the evidence and legal arguments needed to get your domain transferred back to you.
Defend registrants. If someone has filed a complaint against your domain, we prepare your response and, where the complaint should never have been brought, seek a finding of Reverse Domain Name Hijacking against the complainant.
Handle auDA audits and complaints. From licensing eligibility issues to registrant audits, we deal with auDA and registrars on your behalf.
Acquire domains through negotiation. Sometimes the quickest path is a direct purchase. We negotiate anonymously on your behalf so the price doesn’t jump the moment the seller learns who’s asking.
Protect your portfolio. We advise on which domains to register defensively and monitor for new registrations that might infringe your brand.

Recent results

Our lawyers have acted in some of the most significant .au domain disputes in recent years. Two examples:

hancock.com.au — Hancock Prospecting Pty Limited v. Domain Invest Pty Ltd (WIPO Case No. DAU2026-0004). Our client, the registrant of hancock.com.au, faced an auDRP complaint from Hancock Prospecting, one of Australia’s largest private companies. A three-member WIPO panel denied the complaint, finding our client had legitimate interests in the domain through its premium surname email business. The panel majority went further, finding the complaint was brought in bad faith and amounted to Reverse Domain Name Hijacking.

clove.com.au — auDRP Case No. auDRP_26_10 (Resolution Institute, 2 July 2026). We defended the registrant of clove.com.au against a complaint alleging opportunistic registration and bad faith across seven separate grounds. The panel rejected every ground and dismissed the complaint, accepting that our client registered the generic dictionary word for its ordinary meaning and had legitimate interests in the domain.

Our approach

We always start by assessing whether a formal dispute is the right path. Sometimes a direct approach to the registrant, or a cease and desist letter, resolves things faster and cheaper. If formal proceedings are the way to go, we’ll tell you upfront what’s involved, what it’ll cost, and what your chances are. No surprises.

Frequently asked questions

How long does an auDRP or UDRP dispute take?

Typically two to three months from filing to decision. There’s no hearing — the panel decides on the written complaint and response.

How much does it cost?

Provider filing fees start around AUD 2,000 for a single-member panel, plus legal costs for preparing the complaint or response. Far less than court proceedings.

Do I need a registered trade mark?

A registered trade mark is the strongest foundation, but rights in a company, business or personal name can also support a complaint. Without a trade mark, generic dictionary-word domains are much harder to recover — get advice before filing.

Can I lose my domain if someone complains about it?

Yes — but a complaint isn’t a foregone conclusion. Registrants with a legitimate reason for holding a domain regularly defeat complaints, and panels can penalise complainants who overreach with a Reverse Domain Name Hijacking finding.

Domain Name Disputes