SYRELI, the new French domain name dispute system

The new resolution system for the disputes concerning the domain names in .FR and .RE (Syreli) will be launched on 21 November 2011. The disputes will now be decided directed by AFNIC, the registry of the .FR country-code-Top-level-Domain (ccTLD) itself.

The complainants may used the SYRELI resolution system if the domain names have been created or renewed after 1 July 2011. This means that in July 2012 every dispute concerning a domain name in .FR and .RE may be resolved with Syreli.

Overview of the resolution system
The complainant will have to prove that s/he has a valid interest to act and that the domain name involved in the dispute is:

• liable to disrupt public order or morality, or the rights guaranteed by the French Constitution or French law; or
• liable to infringe intellectual property rights or personal rights, and that the owner has no legitimate interest and is acting in bad faith; or
• 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, and that the owner has no legitimate interest and is acting in bad faith.

An easy and cheap resolution system

The panel composed of AFNIC members (the director and 2 specialized collaborators) will take a decision thanks to the written the documents and statements filed by both parties. The examination fee is set at €250 excl. VAT, and is paid by the complainant.
The decision by the AFNIC panel will be taken within two months of receipt of the complete dispute file.

The respondent has 21 days to answer the complainant's demand, and may at any moment modify his/her answer within this time period
The panel will decide whether or not the domain name is transferred but the complainant will not get any damages.

With the opening on 6 december 2011 of the .FR and .RE to every European citizen, there is a risk to have more disputes concerning domain names in this extension. The Syreli resolution system should be mainly used in the following months.

Find out :

Use Keep Alert to monitor your trademark in .FR and .RE.
And for further details, please see the Rules and Regulations of the Dispute Resolution System (Syreli), pdf file in English