The CAC, which has handled almost 1,000 disputes arising from .eu domain name applications, became the fourth organisation authorised to receive UDRP complaints (after WIPO, the NAF and the Asian Domain Name Dispute Resolution Centre) in January last year.
But unlike the other organisations, the CAC is offering an electronic service for its three-month trial period, which starts today (January 12).
Complainants can choose either to file documents online and then sign for them in hard copy (partial electronic filing), or to complete the entire process online using an electronic Chess Card to authenticate their identity (full e-filing).
Whichever route they prefer, complainants (or their representatives) need to register online with CAC. They can file complaints immediately but will have to wait five to seven days if they want to use a Chess Card. Once registered, users can view different case files using a single login.
Zbynek Loebl, head of the UDRP implementation team at the CAC, told Managing IP that the Centre had already received nearly 100 applications for a Chess Card before the launch, and the first complaint was filed this morning.
He added that he hopes ICANN will authorise the service to become permanent if the three-month trial is successful: “We might come out with a proposal to make a modification to the supplementary rules, but we expect the service to continue largely as it is now,” said Loebl.
Loebl said the online service had been improved from its original design, following feedback from a select group of experienced UDRP users during tests last year.
Feedback received included the need for modifications to the online forms and wording, improved clarity and greater speed.
“Some of the comments were extremely useful and we adopted practically all of them,” said Loebl. “One recommendation that we will definitely follow is to host some web seminars to show the platform to participants.”
Most of the users who tested the system said online filing would save time and money. At present, at least four copies of a UDRP complaint have to be made and sent by registered courier.
Another innovation introduced by the CAC service is the ability to file one complaint against one alleged cybersquatter on behalf of several complainants.
The CAC fees are €1,300 (single panellist) or €3,100 (three panellists) for complaints including up to five domain names. Payment can be made by credit card.
CAC has appointed 37 panellists to handle the first cases, with more expected to be named later this year.
Both WIPO and the NAF have indicated they are also considering allowing online filing of complaints in the near future.
For further information on online UDRP filing, including analysis from people who have used the test version, see the February issue of Managing IP, available online on February 1.
