Intellectual Property Law · European Union
Recover the Domain Name That Belongs to Your Brand
A domain that matches your name or trade mark — registered by someone else, pointed at a competitor or parked for a ransom price — can cost you customers and credibility every day it stays out of your hands. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted intellectual property lawyer who resolves domain disputes across Europe.
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Who this is for
Your domain is often the first thing a customer sees — and the first thing a squatter takes
A domain name dispute arises when someone registers or uses an internet domain that conflicts with your rights — typically a domain identical or confusingly similar to your trade mark or business name, registered in bad faith. The conflict can take several forms: a cybersquatter holding the name for resale, a competitor registering a variation to divert traffic, or a former employee or partner retaining a domain after the relationship ends. Resolution usually follows one of two routes: a fast, low-cost administrative proceeding under the UDRP or a similar policy, or court litigation under trade mark or unfair competition law. Which route is appropriate, which forum has jurisdiction and what evidence is needed to prove bad faith all vary with the circumstances and the country, so the work of building and presenting the right case is best handled by a lawyer who does this regularly.
Why domain disputes drag on
The domain is clearly yours in principle.
Getting it back is a different matter.
Proving bad faith, choosing the right forum and gathering the right evidence trip up brand owners who try to go it alone.
Not knowing which route to take
A domain can sometimes be recovered quickly through a UDRP-style administrative complaint, but the wrong choice of forum or a poorly framed claim can delay resolution or lead to an unfavourable decision that is hard to undo.
Failing to prove bad faith
The key to most domain claims is showing the registrant acted in bad faith — evidence of an offer to sell, a pattern of abusive registrations or use to divert customers — and gathering that evidence properly is often the difference between winning and losing.
The domain changes hands while you wait
Registrants sometimes transfer a disputed domain during a dispute to complicate recovery, so acting promptly and, where appropriate, preserving the status quo through the right filing can prevent the situation from getting worse.
What you get
A domain disputes lawyer who picks the fastest, strongest route
We only match you with intellectual property lawyers who handle UDRP complaints, domain litigation and brand protection regularly.
Strategy & forum choice
Your lawyer assesses whether a UDRP-style administrative complaint or court action is the better route for your specific facts and goals, considering speed, cost and the likelihood of success before you commit.
Evidence building
Get help gathering and presenting the evidence of your rights and the registrant’s bad faith — registration records, correspondence, screenshots and usage — framed to meet the precise requirements of the chosen forum.
Complaint drafting & filing
Your lawyer prepares and files a well-argued complaint that maximises your chances in a process where decisions are made largely on the papers, with no room to repair a weak case after filing.
Enforcement & transfer
After a decision in your favour, your lawyer manages the mechanics of the transfer or cancellation and advises on any follow-up, such as recovering related domains or pursuing ongoing infringement.
Coverage
Domain disputes lawyers across Europe
Domain policies apply across borders through the registry, while court-based claims depend on national trade mark and unfair competition law, so the right lawyer combines both the global procedure and your local rights. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Domain name disputes — common questions
What is a domain name dispute?
A dispute where someone has registered or is using a domain name that conflicts with your rights, typically a domain identical or confusingly similar to your trade mark or business name. The most common issues are cybersquatting, traffic diversion and a former partner or employee retaining a domain.
What is the UDRP?
The Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy is an administrative procedure used to resolve many domain disputes quickly and at relatively low cost, without going to court. To succeed you generally need to show your rights in a name, the registrant’s lack of legitimate interest, and bad-faith registration and use.
How is a UDRP complaint different from going to court?
A UDRP proceeding is typically faster and cheaper than litigation and is decided on written submissions, but it can generally only order the transfer or cancellation of the domain, not damages. Court action can award damages and injunctions but is slower and more expensive, so the right route depends on your goals.
What do I need to prove in a domain dispute?
Usually, that you hold rights in the relevant name — such as a registered trade mark — and that the domain was registered and used in bad faith, for example an offer to sell it at an inflated price or use intended to divert your customers. The precise elements depend on the forum.
How long does a domain dispute take?
A UDRP-style administrative proceeding is typically concluded within a few months, while court proceedings generally take longer and vary significantly by country and the complexity of the case. A lawyer can give you a realistic indication for your specific situation.
Can I recover a domain from a former employee or business partner?
Often yes, but the best route depends on the facts and the agreements in place. Where the domain was registered in the company’s name or covered by a contract, recovery can be more straightforward; otherwise the claim may rest on trade mark rights and bad faith, so advice should be sought promptly.
Free case review
Get your domain back before the confusion costs you more
Tell us the domain and your rights in it, and we’ll connect you with an intellectual property lawyer who handles domain disputes — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.