Options after Mediation

If you engaged in mediation and it was unsuccessful, you can ask an Expert to make a legally binding decision on who should be the registrant of the domain name. Expert determination has a fee of 2000.00 + GST.

If you want to have an Expert make a decision (called an Expert Determination), you must submit a complaint. The registrant will then have an opportunity to file a response to your complaint. The last step is for you to file a reply to the registrant's response. This information will be provided to the Expert. An Expert will not be appointed until the Expert fee is paid.

Important: The matter will not proceed to Expert Determination if the fee is not paid, and the Domain Name Commission will close the case following the payment deadline.

What are the next stages after Mediation?

Stage 1: Document Filing.

The party that initiated the mediation can submit a complaint. This is the information that will eventually be provided to the Expert to make a determination (decision) regarding the disputed domain name. The domain name registrant will then be provided with an opportunity to respond (submit a response) to the documentation that the initial party filed. Following this, the initial party can then reply to (submit a reply) the response. 

How to submit a Complaint

Stage 2: Expert Determination

Following the filing of the documentation detailed above, and the payment of the Expert fees, an Expert will be appointed. Details on how determination works can be found in the following section of our website:

How Determination Works

Important note: the documents will only be provided to the Expert once the determination fees have been paid.

Stage 3: Appeal Expert Determination (optional)

If either party is unsatisfied with an Expert Determination (decision), they can appeal the decision. Learn about the appeal process and how it works.

How to Appeal an Expert Decision