Dispute Resolution Policy

1. Overview

• At Atom, we believe domain ownership should be secure, transparent, and fair. This Dispute Resolution Policy (“Policy”) explains how we handle domain name disputes in compliance with ICANN requirements and registry rules — while keeping the process clear for everyone involved.
• This Policy covers:
  • Trademark-related disputes (UDRP)
  • Inter-registrar transfer disputes
  • Account ownership or hijacking disputes
  • Registry-specific eligibility or naming conflicts
• This Policy does not cover ordinary service issues (billing, customer support, hosting, etc.).

2. Key Principles

• Fairness: Both sides get an equal chance to present evidence.
• Transparency: We follow published ICANN and registry rules — no hidden procedures.
• Due Process: Decisions are made by accredited, neutral panels — not by Atom staff.
• Compliance: We honor all ICANN-mandated dispute procedures, timelines, and outcomes.

3. Types of Disputes We Handle

• Trademark or Name Disputes (UDRP)
  Atom follows the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP), required for all ICANN-accredited registrars.
  A UDRP complaint can be filed when:
  • A domain name is identical or confusingly similar to a trademark;
  • The registrant lacks rights or legitimate interests in the name;
  • The domain was registered and used in bad faith.
  These cases are handled by ICANN-approved Dispute Resolution Providers, such as WIPO, The Forum (NAF), and others.
  Remedies:
  The only possible outcomes are:
  
  • Transfer of the domain name; or
  • Cancellation of the registration.
  Either party can also file a court case at any time, before or after the UDRP process.
• Inter-Registrar Transfer DisputesIf two registrars disagree about whether a domain was transferred correctly, the issue is handled under ICANN’s Transfer Dispute Resolution Policy (TDRP).
  • Complaints must be filed within 6 months of the alleged violation.
  • The decision may order a transfer, reversal, or denial.
  • These disputes occur registrar-to-registrar (not directly between registrant and registrar).
• Account Ownership / Hijacking Disputes
  If you believe your Atom account or domain name was accessed, modified, or transferred without authorization, you may submit an Account Ownership Claim.
  This internal review process is designed to help verify rightful control of an account or domain.
  • Submit your claim to ownership@atom.com with supporting evidence (e.g. government ID, payment proof, domain invoice, registry WHOIS).
  • Review – Atom will review your claim and may contact other involved parties for evidence or clarification.
  • Decision – Our review team will issue a written determination based on available evidence.
  • Next Steps – If either party disagrees, they may pursue formal remedies (e.g. UDRP or court action).
  • This process is provided as a courtesy to help resolve legitimate ownership conflicts.
  • Atom does not act as an arbitrator or legal authority, and our decision does not replace rights available under ICANN or applicable law.
• Registry-Specific Disputes
  Some registry operators impose additional dispute or eligibility requirements for their specific TLDs. When such requirements apply, Atom will follow the registry’s official dispute resolution policy in addition to this Policy.
• Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS)
  Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS). For eligible gTLDs, rights holders may file a URS complaint to seek rapid suspension of a domain that is the subject of clear-cut trademark abuse. URS is designed to be faster and more limited in remedy than UDRP (suspension rather than transfer). Atom complies with URS procedures and implements final URS determinations from the applicable provider. Learn more: Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) and the websites of URS providers (e.g., WIPO, The Forum).

4. Dispute Filing Process (UDRP/URS and Similar)

Step	Description
File Complaint	File your case with an ICANN-approved Provider.
Domain Lock	Once notified, Atom locks the domain (no updates or transfers) until the case is resolved.
Notice to Registrant	The registrant receives full notice of the complaint and has 20 days to respond.
Panel Review	A neutral panel reviews both sides and issues a written decision.
Implementation	If the panel orders transfer or cancellation, Atom implements the decision after 10–14 days (unless there’s a valid court order).

All panel decisions are publicly posted by the Provider, with redactions for privacy where required.

5. Fees

• UDRP or TDRP filing fees are set by the selected Provider.
• Atom does not charge additional handling fees beyond our standard administrative costs (if any).
• Account ownership disputes handled directly by Atom are free of Atom administrative charges. If you elect to use a third-party arbitrator or court, their fees apply. In rare cases of abusive, repetitive, or extraordinarily complex filings, Atom may assess a reasonable administrative fee (posted in our fee schedule) after notice to you.

6. Appeals and Court Actions

Either party may:

• Appeal the administrative decision in a competent court; or
• Seek judicial review before, during, or after a UDRP or internal dispute.

Atom will comply with valid court orders and final UDRP decisions, as required by ICANN and registry policy.

7. Timing and Deadlines

• UDRP cases:
  UDRP complaints are handled by independent dispute-resolution providers (such as WIPO or The Forum). Most are resolved within 45–60 days after the complaint is accepted, but actual timelines can vary if:
  • The panel grants an extension,
  • One of the parties requests additional time, or
  • A court proceeding temporarily pauses the case.
• Atom doesn’t control the provider’s schedule, but once we receive the final decision, we’ll implement it promptly and in full compliance with ICANN rules.
• URS is designed for expedited timelines set by the provider.
• Transfer disputes: Must be filed within 6 months of the disputed event.
• Account ownership disputes: Should be reported immediately after discovery. Delays may limit available remedies.

8. Transparency and Reporting

Atom believes visibility builds trust.

We will:

• Notify registrants promptly whenever their domain becomes the subject of a formal complaint or dispute, as required under ICANN policies.
• Implement dispute decisions transparently and in accordance with ICANN timelines.

9. Updates to This Policy

We may revise this Policy from time to time to reflect ICANN requirements, registry rule changes, or improvements to our processes.

Material updates will be posted on our website before they take effect.

Your continued use of Atom’s services after publication constitutes acceptance of the updated version.

10. Contact

Dispute Resolution Team
Email: disputes@atom.com

For urgent account-ownership issues, contact disputes@atom.com

Atom reviews dispute inquiries promptly during business hours and responds as soon as possible.

11. Legal & Jurisdiction

This Policy is governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, USA, without regard to conflicts of law principles.
Any legal proceedings arising from this Policy shall be filed in the state or federal courts located in Cook County, Illinois.

12. Summary

Atom follows ICANN’s global rules to ensure that:

• Disputes are handled fairly, transparently, and efficiently.
• Registrants retain clear rights to defend and appeal.
• Decisions are honored swiftly and lawfully.

Atom does not profit from disputes — our goal is to uphold trust, integrity, and accountability in the domain ecosystem.

Updated: Oct. 2025