Cybersquatting and Typosquatting in Light of the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) and WIPO Decisions: Lessons for the Iranian Legal System

Ghanati, Ali; Habibzadeh, Taher; Ghanbarian, Mohammad Reza

doi:10.48300/jlr.2026.577078.3149

Cybersquatting and Typosquatting in Light of the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) and WIPO Decisions: Lessons for the Iranian Legal System

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Ali Ghanati ¹

Taher Habibzadeh ²

mohammad reza ghanbarian ³

¹ M.A. student in Private Law, Faculty of Law, Imam Sadeq University, Tehran, Iran.

² Assistant Professor, Department of Private Law, Faculty of Law, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Iran

³ PhD Candidate in Private Law, Faculty of Law, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Iran

10.48300/jlr.2026.577078.3149

Abstract

In the digital age, domain names have become vital tools for identifying and accessing internet resources. However, disputes arising from abuses such as cybersquatting and typosquatting have created significant legal challenges. The Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP), established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), was designed as an efficient framework for addressing such disputes. This policy is founded on three primary criteria: the domain name being confusingly similar to a trademark, the domain holder lacking a legitimate right or interest, and the domain being registered and used in bad faith. An analysis of key WIPO cases reveals that the arbitration practice in this area seeks to strike a balance between protecting intellectual property rights and preventing online abuses. These decisions highlight the importance of trademark fame and its role in establishing bad faith. Despite the advantages of the UDRP, such as speed and low cost, challenges persist, including the difficulty of proving bad faith and the limitations of non‑in-person proceedings. Refining the guidelines for assessing bad faith and increasing transparency in the arbitration process could strengthen this system. Ultimately, as an effective mechanism for resolving domain name disputes, the UDRP plays a key role in safeguarding intellectual property rights in the digital space.

Keywords

Domain Name

UDRP

WIPO

Cybersquatting

Typosquatting