The .au Domain Names Dispute Resolution Policy (auDRP) commenced on 1 August 2002. The auDRP is intended to provide a cheaper and quicker alternative to litigation for resolution of disputes between .au domain name registrants and parties with competing rights in the domain name.
The WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center (Center), which is an administrative division of the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), has been retained as a dispute resolution provider by the auDRP.
Domain names that were issued before 1 August 2002 are not subject to a mandatory administrative proceeding under the auDRP, unless the registrant voluntarily elects to be bound by the auDRP or they are renewed after this date.