The scope for personal interpretation in UDRP decisions

The Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) has been in
place for over three years. It was established to provide an inexpensive and
quick arbitration process, primarily aimed at dealing with cybersquatters who
try to sell domain names to brand owners at extortionate prices or who set up
pirate sites. Although the UDRP has largely achieved these objectives, the panellists
deciding complaints have a wide discretion, which can give rise to seemingly
conflicting decisions. Louisa Albertini of Field Fisher Waterhouse explores
the scope for divergence in UDRP disputes.