Innovative option for resolving domain name disputes
The last two weeks have been challenging for all of us. We are living in a new reality as the result of COVID-19. In many ways, it has made us realize how interconnected and interdependent we are with one another on this planet.
In order to adapt and thrive while (temporarily) creating more physical distance, we need to turn our eyes to new technologies in every aspect of our life. Here, at the Canadian International Internet Dispute Resolution Centre (CIIDRC), we have developed an online dispute resolution process to provide access to justice for those looking to protect their brands.
To acknowledge this development, on March 4, 2020, CIIDRC held an opening event in Vancouver, Canada to explain how trademark owners and domain name holders can utilize our 24/7 online platform in resolving domain name disputes.
The event was opened by Barry Penner, QC, the Centre’s Managing director, who introduced CIIDRC, shared the history of its formation and the future vision for the organization. John Rogers, a CIIDRC Committee member and contributor to the successful operations of CIIDRC, gave a speech on the future of online dispute resolution and its impact on our lives. Suzanne Anton, QC, the Chair of the CIIDRC Committee, shared the recent CIIDRC case statistics and spoke about the leading role of British Columbia in online dispute resolution. She noted the Civil Resolution Tribunal, a pioneer in the field of online dispute resolution, and its growing success when it comes to access to justice. Ms. Anton, QC, believes that there are other opportunities to provide needed access to justice using modern technology which should to be explored. Leslie Maerov, Chair of the CIIDRC parent organisation, British Columbia International Commercial Arbitration Centre (BCICAC), gave closing remarks encouraging the audience to support the future development of CIIDRC and BCICAC, which soon will be known as Vancouver International Arbitration Centre (VanIAC).
More people are discovering our innovative option for resolving domain name disputes; we encourage you to get the word out to your friends and colleagues. A number of additional decisions are now posted on our website, and more cases are in progress.
Thank you for continuing to support CIIDRC. We invite you to learn more about what we do by visiting our website at ciidrc.org or contacting us at resolution@ciidrc.org.
CIIDRC remains open and fully operational.
Ina Ergasheva
Assistant Director