UDRP - Key Developments, AI & New gTLDs

Introduction

The UDRP remains the principal mechanism for recovering infringing domain names, but recent developments are creating new practical considerations for brand owners and their advisers. With UDRP reform under discussion, AI increasingly featuring in pleadings and evidence, a rise in reverse domain name hijacking findings and the 2026 new gTLD round under way, it is important to understand how these developments are affecting UDRP practice.

This short webinar will provide a focused update on the key recent decisions and developments, together with practical guidance on preparing and assessing UDRP complaints, managing the risks associated with AI-assisted submissions and responding to developments in the domain name landscape.

What You Will Learn

The webinar will cover the following:

• UDRP reform, including the December 2025 final report of the joint WIPO-Internet Commerce Association review, its recommendations and the proposals it chose not to pursue, including ‘loser pays’, mandatory mediation and limitation periods, together with the current position on the ICANN review
• The developing use of AI in UDRP proceedings, including recent decisions such as upscaleavenues.com, where citations to non-existent decisions contributed to a finding of reverse domain name hijacking, and payshap.com, concerning the use of a ChatGPT result as evidence
• The rise in reverse domain name hijacking findings and the circumstances that may increase the risk, including cases involving domains acquired at auction, domains that pre-date the relevant trade mark and former distributors or business partners
• Practical steps for stress-testing a UDRP complaint before filing, including checking the underlying evidence, assessing the history of the domain name and identifying potential weaknesses that could lead to a reverse domain name hijacking finding
• WIPO's new Priority UDRP service, including when the expedited process may be worth considering and the practical issues for brand owners
• The 2026 new gTLD round, including WIPO-administered objection procedures, how brand owners can monitor applications and what steps can be taken where a proposed string conflicts with an established brand
• Practical considerations when using AI in UDRP proceedings, including checking AI-assisted submissions, verifying authorities and presenting AI-generated material as evidence
• The key recent decisions and developments that practitioners should be aware of and how they may affect the preparation and conduct of future UDRP proceedings