Nominet DRS (Dispute Resolution Service) recovers .uk and .co.uk domains registered in bad faith. Average process: 6-10 weeks. Cost: £200-1,000 (DIY) or £1,500-4,000 (with solicitor).
When to Use DRS
Someone registered domain containing your trademark or business name. They're using it to compete, redirect traffic, or hold for ransom. Nominet DRS is UK-specific alternative to global UDRP.
DRS Requirements
Must prove: 1) You have rights in name (trademark, trading name, personal name), 2) Domain is identical or similar to your name, 3) Domain registered or used in "abusive" manner.
Abusive Registration
Registered primarily to: Sell to you at inflated price, block you from using it, disrupt your business, cause confusion, unfairly divert traffic. Any one of these qualifies.
Eligibility
Only for .uk, .co.uk, .org.uk domains under Nominet's control. For .com or other extensions, use UDRP (different process, ICANN-administered, costs £1,000-2,500).
Limitation: DRS only applies if domain registered AFTER you acquired rights in name. Pre-existing legitimate registration (they were first) usually defeats claim.
Informal Complaint First
Before filing DRS, send informal email to domain owner via WHOIS contact. Request voluntary transfer. Some comply to avoid DRS cost/hassle. If no response in 7-14 days, escalate to DRS.
Filing Process
Submit complaint to Nominet. Fee: £200 + VAT. Provide: Evidence of rights (trademark certificate, Companies House registration), proof of bad faith (screenshots, correspondence), explanation why you should get domain.
Respondent Reply
Domain owner has 15 days to respond. They'll argue: They registered first, they have legitimate use, it's generic term not targeting you, or other defense.
Common Defenses
"I registered it for different business" (may work if provable). "It's generic dictionary word" (weak unless they prove actual use). "I registered before you existed" (strong if true).
Expert Decision
Nominet appoints independent expert (usually lawyer or trademark attorney). Reviews complaint and response. Issues decision within 10-14 days of response deadline.
Possible Outcomes
Transfer: Domain transferred to you. Suspension: Domain locked (rare outcome). Dismissal: You lose, domain stays with registrant. No monetary damages awarded (unlike court).
Appeal Option
Either party can appeal within 10 days. Requires new evidence or clear error by expert. Appeal fee: £500 + VAT. Three-expert panel reviews. Final decision in 10 days.
DRS is not court. No monetary damages, no legal fees awarded, no costs recovery. Win = domain transferred, nothing more. Cheaper and faster than litigation.
Alternative: Negotiation
If you're willing to pay, negotiate purchase directly. Domain owner asking £5,000. DRS costs £1,500 with solicitor. If settlement is £2,000-3,000, negotiation may be cheaper/faster.
Prevention Better Than Recovery
Register domain when forming business. Monitor similar domains. File DRS quickly if cybersquatter appears (evidence of bad faith clearer if they haven't used domain for years).
Trademark Lens checks domain availability and trademark status simultaneously - secure both domain and name rights before someone else does.