Stanford's Cyberlaw Clinic to Defend Domain Name Owners
Stanford University Law School's Cyberlaw Clinic is expanding its docket to include defending domain name holders in UDRP actions. Domain name owners who have been notified that an action against them has been initiated are encouraged to call (650) 723-8773 or email stanfordcyberlawclinic@yahoo.com with contact information and the date they were served with the challenger's complaint to learn whether Clinic student attorneys are available to represent them. ICANN's "Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy" (UDRP) requires every registrant in .com, .org, or .net to agree to arbitration before ICANN-selected arbitration providers if another individual, corporation or group challenges their right to use the domain name. Stanford Law School students will represent owners whose domain names have been challenged by filing responses before the Administrative Panel appointed to hear the dispute between the parties.
The Clinic is part of the Stanford Center for Internet and Society (CIS), a public interest technology law and policy program at Stanford Law School. Students enrolled in the clinic assist attorneys in advising clients, and litigating cases. The clinic docket currently includes cases regarding fan fiction, anonymous speech, the right to publish information about computer vulnerabilities, open access to broadband Internet services, Internet radio, and digital libraries. CIS Director and attorney Jennifer S. Granick teaches the clinic.
Applicants for legal services are advised that they have 20 days from the date of commencement of the UDRP action to respond and that the Clinic will not file responses for Applicants unless an Attorney Client Contract is signed. The Clinic plans to take 5-8 domain name cases a semester.