About the National Arbitration Forum

The National Arbitration Forum (FORUM) is a leading international administrator of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services including mediation and arbitration. We provide parties with an opportunity to resolve disputes with the assistance of a legally-trained expert or panel of experts, referred to as neutrals. Over 1,500 attorneys and retired judges serve as neutrals on our international panel, following and applying the substantive law when rendering decisions and evaluating cases.

Experience and Expertise

To oversee and administer domain name dispute cases, in 1999 the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) chose the FORUM. Since the inception of our domain name dispute resolution services, our international roster of intellectual property experts has decided thousands of cases while carefully observing the applicable policies and rule sets.

Unbiased Process

Domain name dispute proceedings are governed by specific, clearly-stated policies and rule sets, created and sponsored by organizations such as ICANN, NeuStar, and New.net. FORUM panelists who decide domain name disputes honor the rules and obligations outlined by these policies plus the FORUM’s own Supplemental Rules. In addition, FORUM case coordinators ensure that each case proceeds smoothly according to the rules; FORUM case coordinators handle all document submissions, relay communications between the parties and the deciding panel, schedule hearings, and answer procedural questions when necessary.

Filing with the FORUM

The FORUM offers a simple process for filing domain name Complaints, Responses and Requests. Our Overview of Policies Web page helps prospective filers identify the appropriate policy for their domain name dispute and provides links to policies, rules, forms and online filing platforms.