ODR — the way to resolve your .nz domain name disputes
Keri Morris, Online Dispute Resolution Manager
Do you have a dispute over the ownership of a .nz domain name that you cannot resolve on your own? Here at the Domain Name Commission, we offer a free Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) service to help you get this resolved quickly.
Here are some common examples of domain name disputes:
A newly established business has set up a website providing the same services as you, and its .nz domain name is virtually the same as yours. You believe you are now losing business and customers.
You purchased a business and understood the .nz domain name was part of the agreement. However, it did not transfer to you.
Your business partnership or relationship has fallen apart, and you now cannot access your emails as the other person is the registrant of the .nz domain name.
If you believe that someone else has a domain name that you should be the registrant of, this is the service for you.
Most people avoid conflict, and when people are in dispute, a mediator plays a key role in helping to sort out the issue.
Mediation itself is an informal conflict resolution process in which an independent, neutral person (the mediator) works with parties giving them the opportunity to discuss the issues, clear up misunderstandings, and find areas of agreement in a way that would not be possible in a court process. It’s voluntary and confidential, and parties reach their agreement which is usually legally binding.
ODR is a relatively new concept, rare to find in Aotearoa New Zealand. Fortunately for people who find themselves in a .nz domain name dispute, it is free to use and easily accessible through an easy-to-navigate platform.
Providing mediation via ODR has many benefits, including reducing costs, saving time, and being environmentally friendly, accessible, and efficient.
Check our website for a peek at the platform without registering a dispute.
Our ODR pilot for domain disputes runs to the end of June. If you have a domain dispute that needs to be resolved, go to our website or speak to our team.