Network Solutions Launches DomainMagistrate.com

Network Solutions, Inc., largest registrar of domain names, today announced the opening of a new Web site to help settle domain disputes.

The site, located at DomainMagistrate.com, will "help its customers and the Internet community make the transition to a new, global domain name dispute policy." The Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP), which went into effect today, was approved by ICANN and is mandated by all registrars. It proved specific guidelines for when a dispute over a domain name occurs, that slightly differs from current policies.

Under the UDRP, domains in question will no longer be put on hold while the dispute takes place. In addition, the UDRP now applies to all state and common law trademarks, as well as "confusingly similar" domains.

Following many recent trends, DomainMagistrate.com will offer the ability to submit a complaint against "cybersquatters" online. Cybersquatting occurs when a domain name is registered soley for the purpose of profiting off another's trademark. The online process promises to resolve a dispute in less than 57 days.

Although other registrars must follow the UDRP, Network Solutions is the first to setup a help center for customers regarding the new policy. By resolving over 9,000 domain disputes, the company feels they are the "world's leading authority on this issue." However, a list of other providers who have the ability to resolve a dispute may be found at DomainMagistrate.com.