'.be' dispute resolution to become cheaper

DNS .BE, the Belgian domain name registrar, has announced that it will be amending its general terms and conditions so that successful complainants in '.be' alternative dispute resolution procedures will recuperate half the fees paid. The cost of bringing a complaint under the '.be' dispute resolution procedure will therefore be reduced from around €1,600 to €800 in the event of a successful complaint.

The announcement is significant because provisions dealing with costs are generally very rare in domain name alternative dispute resolution policies. The registry has announced that it will attempt to recover the money refunded from the losing party, although clearly it will have little chance of success when faced with serial cybersquatters, who are more
often than not based in a different jurisdiction.

In these cases the registry itself will fund the additional costs as part of its drive to encourage more use of its alternative dispute resolution procedure, which is very similar to the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy. DNS .BE is hoping that the change to its general terms and conditions will become effective later this month.

David Taylor and Jane Seager, Lovells, Paris