by Robert B. Burlingame
Network Solutions, Inc. ("NSI"), the organization responsible for the registration of second-level Internet domain names in the top level .COM, .ORG, .NET and .EDU domains, is taking a new and very different approach to domain name disputes.
I. The Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy
Officially effective January 1, 2000, but actually effective earlier (see below), the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy ("Dispute Resolution Policy") replaces the Domain Name Dispute Policy ("Dispute Policy"). Although the titles of these two policies differ by just one word, the substantive differences are significant, and the new policy will have important ramifications on the world of trademarks and domain name disputes.