[Geneva, Switzerland] – If you’re involved in protecting online brands, pay attention! The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) just released its 2024 Domain Name Report. This report reveals that domain name dispute filings under the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) remain consistently high. Clearly, online brand protection is more important than ever as cybersquatting and other fraudulent activities persist.
What is the WIPO Domain Name Report 2024?
The annual WIPO Domain Name Report offers crucial insights into the landscape of global domain disputes. It helps trademark owners, legal professionals, and policymakers understand the evolving challenges in safeguarding intellectual property in the digital age. This year’s report truly underscores the UDRP’s ongoing relevance since its inception in 1999.
Key Insights from the Report
Let’s dive into some of the most important findings from the latest WIPO Domain Name Report:
Strong Case Numbers Persist
In 2024, trademark owners from a remarkable 133 countries filed 6,168 cases under the UDRP and its national country code top-level domain (ccTLD) variations. This marks the second-highest number of cases WIPO has ever handled, showing just how vital this policy remains.
Global Reach and Industry Focus
- Leading Complainant Countries: The United States, France, and the United Kingdom continue to lead the pack when it comes to trademark owners filing complaints. This clearly indicates their strong focus on digital brand protection.
- Global Language Diversity: WIPO handled domain name cases in 18 different languages! English dominated, comprising 91% of cases. French (3%), Spanish (2.3%), and Chinese (0.9%) followed, with other languages making up the rest. This truly highlights the international nature of these disputes.
- Industry Impact: Domain name disputes touch almost every sector. Retail, banking and finance, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, Internet and IT, and fashion stood out as the most prominent sectors. Big names like Carrefour, Meta Platforms, LEGO, and Philip Morris frequently file complaints, proving the broad relevance of strong domain name protection for any global brand.
The Expanding World of ccTLDs
WIPO has significantly expanded its dispute resolution services, now including new ccTLDs such as .AD (Andorra), .CV (Cabo Verde), .LV (Latvia), and .RW (Rwanda). We’ve also seen increased case filings for various existing ccTLDs like .AI (Anguilla), .AE (United Arab Emirates), .BR (Brazil), .ES (Spain), .IE (Ireland), .NL (Kingdom of the Netherlands), and .SE (Sweden).
The top 10 ccTLDs in 2024, based on domain name case filings, were: .CO (Colombia), .AI (Anguilla), .CC (Cocos Islands), .ES (Spain), .CN (China), .NL (Kingdom of the Netherlands), .SE (Sweden), .IO (British Indian Ocean Territory), .BR (Brazil), and .EU (European Union).
Why This Report Matters: Implications and WIPO’s Role
The WIPO Domain Name Report for 2024 strongly reinforces the UDRP’s critical role in combating cybersquatting and protecting intellectual property in our digital age. As e-commerce continues its rapid growth, businesses simply must remain vigilant in safeguarding their online brand presence.
WIPO also continues to actively work with the ICA (Internet Commerce Association) to review the UDRP. Their goal is to keep the policy up-to-date and effective in this fast-changing environment.
WIPO’s Ongoing Efforts
WIPO provides invaluable resources and support to trademark owners. This includes helpful educational webinars and updated guidelines. These tools empower brand owners to navigate the complexities of domain name disputes more easily.
This report truly serves as a valuable resource for businesses, legal professionals, and policymakers. It helps them understand the evolving landscape of domain name protection and make informed decisions. For more detailed information, you can always visit the official WIPO website for UDRP statistics.
Conclusion: Stay Vigilant, Stay Protected!
The 2024 WIPO Domain Name Report sends a clear message: the digital world is growing, and with it, the need for robust brand protection. Understanding these trends helps us all stay proactive. By leveraging tools like the UDRP and staying informed, businesses can confidently navigate the complexities of domain ownership and keep their valuable online presence secure.
Last modified: July 22, 2025
