URS is a faster, cheaper sibling to UDRP, designed for the most obvious cybersquatting cases. It was introduced alongside the 2013 New gTLD Program and applies to most new gTLDs (but NOT to .com, .net, .org — those are UDRP-only).
Key differences from UDRP:
| UDRP | URS | |
|---|---|---|
| Filing fee | $1,500-$2,500 | $375-$500 |
| Decision time | ~45 days | ~20 days |
| Outcome if complainant wins | Domain transfers to complainant | Domain is suspended — redirects to placeholder. Original registrant keeps ownership. |
| Standard of proof | "Clear and convincing" | "Clear and convincing PLUS no genuine contestable issue" |
| Applicable TLDs | All gTLDs | Most new gTLDs (post-2012); NOT .com/.net/.org |
URS is purpose-built for "no defense possible" cases — clear typosquatting, brand impersonation, etc. The higher standard of proof means borderline cases get rejected and the complainant has to refile under UDRP.
Why "suspend" rather than "transfer"? Two reasons: it's faster (no transfer paperwork), and it doesn't reward complainants with valuable domains they didn't pay to register. The domain stays in suspension until expiry, at which point it returns to the public pool.
