ADR: Alternative Dispute Resolution

The provisions of the ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution, or ‘PARL’ in French) Regulations apply to all holders of domain names under any of the TLDs managed by Afnic. These procedures are for you if you can show standing and you consider that the domain name falls within one of the cases provided for in Article L.45-2 of the French Post and Electronic Communications Code, i.e.: 

– Liable to disrupt public order or morality, or the rights guaranteed by the French Constitution or French law;

– Liable to infringe intellectual property rights or personal rights, unless the Claimant provides proof of a legitimate interest and is acting in good faith;

– Identical or related to that of the French Republic, of a local authority or group of local authorities, of an institution or a local or national public service, unless the Claimant provides proof of a legitimate interest and is acting in good faith.

Before starting proceedings, consult the relevant regulations. And be aware of the fact that, whatever proceedings instigated, the rights holders retain the possibility to take the case before the courts.

The SYRELI procedure

Put in place by Afnic in 2011, decisions are passed by the College, composed of Afnic employees.

The EXPERT ADR procedure

Put in place by Afnic in collaboration with the WIPO, the World Intellectual Property Organization, decisions are passed by experts selected on file by Afnic and the WIPO. (Consult the list of Experts).