Domain name disputes are becoming more acute, sophisticated and
global as e-commerce continues to develop in Russia.
No residence or local presence is required to register a domain
name in the ccTLDs '.ru', '.рф' and
'.su'. As a result, sophisticated cybersquatters from
around the world can easily transfer their domain registrations and
extort remuneration.
The Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) does
not apply in these cases, so unless settled amicably out of court,
the only available solution is court action.
Until recently, domain name disputes with foreign ownership
posed a legal and financial challenge for rights holders. However,
a 2018 IP court ruling has significantly changed the legal
landscape by ordering domain registrars to 'undelegate'
(ie, terminate the functioning of the domain name) infringing
domain names. In an even more recent ruling, the Ninth Arbitration
Court of Appeal held a registrar liable as an information
intermediary.
