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Can I challenge an application for a .me domain?

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Last Updated: May 2, 2008 11:16 AM

The rules for the Sunrise period include a Sunrise Challenge Policy that allows a third-party to challenge a domain registration for the following reasons:

  • At registration, the applicant did not hold a current trademark or service mark.
  • The domain was not identical to text or word elements associated with the trademark or service mark.
  • The trademark or service mark was not nationally recognized within the country where it's registered.
  • The trademark or service mark was not registered or applied for prior to June 28, 2006.

If you want to challenge a domain registration, you must submit your challenge by July 7, 2008 and pay the challenge fee of €700. The World Intellectual Property Organization Arbitration and Mediation Center administrates the challenge proceedings on a first-come, first-served basis. However, if the first challenge is terminated, they will process subsequent challenges filed during the Sunrise Challenge Period.

The World Intellectual Property Organization Arbitration and Mediation Center examines the trademark or service mark certificates that the applicant submitted. In cases where the application is in compliance, they dismiss the challenge. In cases where the application was found to be non-compliant, they transfer the domain to the domain challenger or cancel the domain, per the challenger's request. If the challenger is not compliant, they cancel the registration.