The official registry for UK domain names released its 2021 figures for its Dispute Resolution Service (DRS) recently and revealed that disputes were the lowest they have ever been.
The DRS began in 2001 and, in 2021, only 548 complaints were filed regarding domain names. The total domain names related to these complaints was 623 and represented just 0.0056 per cent of the register.
In 2021, 43 per cent of these disputes ended with a domain transfer. Since 2018 there has been a steady decrease in these transfers:
- 2018 – 49 per cent
- 2019 – 47 per cent
- 2020 – 46 per cent
The service revealed that UK disputes have involved various well-known brands and educational companies, such as Bosch, Petplan UK, Nokia, the Admiral Insurance Group, Tesco, and Taylor Wimpey, and also parties such as The University of Westminster, the Little Caesars pizza chain, the glassmaker Bormiolo Luigi, and the Gainsborough Theatre Company.
Mario Mastantuono, a Solicitor with Palmers who specialises in IP matters, said: “Although the reduction in domain names disputes is good news, it is still vital that businesses continue to actively protect their intellectual property which is as valuable as cash in the bank.
“Businesses need to ensure that others do not unfairly benefit from their creations and, if a dispute should arise, it is imperative to seek prompt legal advice so that immediate injunctive or other action can be taken on your behalf to protect your business assets.”
At Palmers Solicitors, we provide clear and frank advice on protecting, licensing or transferring IP rights and the action that should be taken if a dispute occurs relating to your brand. For more information, please contact us.