| Abstract: | On 24 April, 2001, Hong Kong adopted a new Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy. This represents the efforts of Hong Kong to strengthen management of its domain name disputes, particularly for 'cybersquatting' cases. This article first analyses the salient features of the Policy, including grounds for complaints, rights of complainants, confusingly similar domain names, use of domain names, evidence of registration and use in bad faith, and legitimate interests of domain name owners. The article evaluates the merits of the Policy, including its flexibility, low cost and time-saving efficiency. It also evaluates its demerits, including its restrictive scope, bias toward trademark owners, inadequate coverage for 'reverse domain name hijacking', limited range of remedies, and possibilities for further court proceedings. The article then concludes that the Policy is laudable as it demonstrates the determination and intention of Hong Kong to observe the international standards and practice in its information technology laws. |
