Domain Name Dispute Resolution for .ch and .li Domains (UDRP)

.ch is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Switzerland. It is managed by SWITCH Information Technology Services, which is also responsible for .li domain names in Liechtenstein.

A SWITCH dispute resolution procedure has been introduced through the Rules of Procedure for Dispute Resolution Procedures for .ch and .li domain names, which is similar to the UDRP. However, there are differences between the two procedures:

• The SWITCH dispute resolution procedure is applicable for all trademarks protected in Switzerland (e.g. trademark, company, name, etc.).
• Swiss law is applicable when assessing whether there has been a violation of the law.
• In the SWITCH procedure, the arbitration negotiation is carried out in the form of a conference call between the arbitrator and the parties.

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is responsible for resolving disputes for .ch and .li domain names.

Court proceedings can be initiated before the civil court instead of or during a SWITCH dispute resolution procedure. Furthermore, the decision in the context of the SWITCH dispute resolution procedure is not final. You can initiate court proceedings.