The following questions are designed to help clarify the differences between Network Solutions' old Domain Name Dispute Policy and new Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy ("Policy") and to assist you through the new process:

1. What are the major differences between Network Solutions' old Domain Name Dispute Policy and the new Policy?
   
2. Where can the complainant file its dispute?
   
3. What is a "provider"?
   
4. If the parties are not satisfied with the dispute resolution provider's decision can that decision be appealed?
   
5. Will Network Solutions still provide a Registrar Certificate?
   
6. What if the parties involved in an ICANN dispute decide to resolve their dispute and transfer the domain names(s)?
   
7. How will the VeriSign Global Registry Services handle trademark issues with regard to international domain?
   
8. How will Network Solutions handle trademark issues with regard to multilingual domain names?
   

1. What are the major differences between Network Solutions' old Domain Name Dispute Policy and the new Policy?

The major differences in the new Policy versus Network Solutions' old Domain Name Dispute Policy are:

1. Under the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy, domain names will not be placed on Hold.
   
2. Under the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy, an actual decision will be rendered, and will result in the continued use, deletion or transfer of a domain name registration.
   
3. The Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy applies to state and common law trademarks as well as nationally registered trademarks.
   
4. The Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy allows the complainant to include domain names that are not only identical, but confusingly similar, to their trademark.

Return to Top of Page

2. Where can the complainant file its dispute?

The complainant may file its dispute directly with any of the providers identified on our website. Each provider has it's own supplemental rules and filing instructions.

Return to Top of Page

3. What is a "provider"?

A provider is an organization approved by ICANN to administer the dispute resolution process under the new Policy.

Return to Top of Page

4. If the parties are not satisfied with the dispute resolution provider's decision can that decision be appealed?

No, there are no appeals under the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy; however, if a party files a civil suit in the correct jurisdiction and in a timely manner, the provider's decision will not be implemented (please see section (4)(k) of the policy).

Return to Top of Page

5. Will Network Solutions still provide a Registrar Certificate?

Yes. A Registrar Certificate will be issued for a domain name registration that is the subject of a civil action, which gives the court complete authority and control over a domain name registration. Network Solutions will continue its practice of abiding by all temporary court orders, final court orders and arbitration awards. The civil action must include the domain name registrant as a party. If Network Solutions is named as a party to a civil action, Network Solutions reserves the right to raise any and all defenses it deems appropriate to defend itself.

Return to Top of Page

6. What if the parties involved in an ICANN dispute decide to resolve their dispute and transfer the domain names(s)?

Before Network Solutions can transfer a domain name registration, the Complainant must notify the Provider and formally request that the administrative proceeding be suspended or terminated. The Provider will notify Network Solutions of this request. Upon receipt of this notice, Network Solutions will inform the parties regarding the transfer process.

Return to Top of Page

7. How will the VeriSign Global Registry Services handle trademark issues with regard to international domain names?

As a registry, VeriSign Global Registry Services is not involved in the intellectual property disputes surrounding domain name registration. The VeriSign Global Registry Services will advise registrars that, during the testbed, registrars should consider deleting any multilingual second level domain name registration upon receipt of a formal (written) objection from any legitimate source received by that registrar for a limited period of time ¹ to be specified by the particular registrar. In addition, the VeriSign Global Registry Services is aware that accredited registrars may continue to use the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) to resolve disputes, including those involving multilingual domain names.

¹Multilingual Domain Names registered through Network Solutions, Inc. have a 45 day period from the date of registration.

(refer to NSI service agreement - http://www.networksolutions.com/en_US/legal/service-agreement.html)

Return to Top of Page

8. How will Network Solutions handle trademark issues with regard to multilingual domain names?

1. If the disputed domain name(s) does(do) meet the criteria for deletion, the complainant must:

• Submit a written complaint to Verisign East, Legal Department (fax: 703.742.8706).
  • Complaint MUST reference "race code" of multilingual registration. (URL to obtain "race code" is: http://mct.verisign-grs.com/)
    
    
  • Multilingual Domain Names registered through Network Solutions, Inc. (Versign, Inc.) have a 45 day period from the date of registration.   (refer to NSI service agreement - http://www.networksolutions.com/en_US/legal/service-agreement.html)

2. If the disputed domain name(s) does(do) not meet the criteria for deletion, the complainant has the following options:

• File a civil action against the registrant in a competent jurisdiction
  • Complaint MUST reference "race code" of multilingual registration. (URL to obtain "race code" is: http://mct.verisign-grs.com/)
  
  
• File a ICANN UDRP complaint (reference URL: )
  • Complaint MUST reference "race code" of multilingual registration. (URL to obtain "race code" is: http://mct.verisign-grs.com/)