I thought this day would come when Sulit.com.ph would go after those who use the Sulit-related domains that run a competing service. I have just been told that the company has filed a UDRP with ICANN to claim the domain sulit.ph.
The Uniform Domain-Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) was filed with ICANN, probably early last month, so that Sulit.com.ph may be able to take-over the domain Sulit.ph.
In this case, Sulit.com.ph must establish a number of elements to succeed over the dispute:
- the domain name is identical or confusingly similar to a trademark or service mark in which the complainant has rights;
- the registrant does not have any rights or legitimate interests in the domain name; and
- the registrant registered the domain name and is using it in “bad faith.”
Dispute proceedings arising from alleged abusive registrations of domain names (for example, cybersquatting) may be initiated by a holder of trademark rights. The UDRP is a policy between a registrar and its customer and is included in registration agreements for all ICANN-accredited registrars.
What’s interesting to note is that the word “sulit” is a generic Filipino term and, thus, cannot be trademarked. I believe has filed for trademark but has since abandoned. We’re not sure if Sulit.com.ph has also filed a UDRP for the domain sulit.com (which is now parked). ccTLDs like sulit.net.ph and sulit.org.ph have not been registered as well so it looks like the main focus for now is sulit.ph.
Filing for a UDRP isn’t easy and it requires a $1,500 fee from the complainant.


Domain name has nothing to do with a Trademark. Trademark is totally different thing. If you owned the trademark “Sulit” it doesn’t mean you also own the domain in all extension. The good thing is if you are the owner of the trademark, you have all the rights to protect your Trademark. Trademark is seems like your BRAND. You have the right to protect your brand in all means. Let us say your Brand Name is “Sulit” and someone registered the domain “Sulit.com.ph/sulit.com/sulit.ph etc. You can file a Dispute. We have the so called UDRP procedure. You can file thru WIPO/NAP etc. Then the WIPO or NAP will handle the case. They will appoint panelist to decide on the case. By the way, this case is a Case of Arbitration unlike any other court cases, the decision will come up not more than 60 days. The wipo will then Notify the registrar of the domain. The Domain Registrar will then send an email to the domain registrant. The domain registrant will be advice to cooperate. They will be ask what was there intention in registering a domain the domain name. The case will then start from there.
There are so many things to consider here. Not all trademark owners won the UDRP cases though. You should have Burden of Proof. There were UDRP cases before wherein the Panelist decides that the Domain will remain with the registrant, there were also instances that the UDRP panelist decides to transfer the domain to the Complainant which is the Trademark owner.
As Trademark owner, it doesn’t mean as well that you will win all the case you filed. Be careful or else you will be charge DOMAIN Cyber Squatter.
So if you want to register a Domain name, you must conduct a research to make sure that you are not infringing a Trademark.
Trademark Owner as well must also pass all the requirements as mentioned on UDRP rules.
Remember this process is too costly. EXPENSIVE. Wipo will Charge you $1500 for single Panelist, if you choose 2 or 3 of course it requires you more penny.