.fr and .eu domain recovery
Recover a .fr or .eu domain name through the correct national procedure
A .fr or .eu dispute should not be treated as a generic UDRP case. Each extension has its own registry, eligibility rules, evidentiary test and alternative dispute resolution procedure.
Dreyfus helps Chinese IP firms and companies select the appropriate route, preserve evidence and prepare a complaint designed for the relevant French or European framework.
Matter essentials
What the instruction requires
The sections below clarify the route, documents, decisions and local workstream for this specific matter.
Recovery of a .fr domain name
Afnic, the registry for .fr, offers two alternative dispute resolution procedures for recovery or deletion:
- SYRELI: the decision is issued by an Afnic panel.
- PARL EXPERT: the decision is issued by an expert selected through the Afnic and WIPO framework.
The complainant must show standing and demonstrate that the registration falls within the circumstances covered by the French Post and Electronic Communications Code. Rights, legitimate interest, good faith and transfer eligibility must be assessed before filing.
Official procedure information: Afnic alternative dispute resolution.
Recovery of a .eu domain name
A .eu registration can be challenged through alternative dispute resolution or through the courts. The complainant must rely on a prior right, such as a trademark, trade name or company name, and show that the registration or use is speculative or abusive under the applicable rules.
Alternative dispute resolution for .eu is available through the Czech Arbitration Court or the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center. The language of the proceeding and the requested transfer also require early review.
Official procedure information: EURid domain name disputes.
How we select the recovery route
- Identify the registry and procedure: .fr and .eu use different rules and decision bodies.
- Confirm the prior rights: trademark, company name, trade name, personal name or other protected right.
- Review the domain use: redirection, impersonation, sale offer, counterfeiting, parking or passive holding.
- Check the registrant’s possible legitimate interest: this can determine whether alternative dispute resolution is appropriate.
- Confirm the remedy and eligibility: transfer, deletion, negotiation or court proceedings.
Evidence to preserve before action
- Dated screenshots and redirect chains
- Trademark, company and trade name records
- Emails, sale offers and impersonation material
- Invoices, advertising and proof of market presence
- Evidence of consumer confusion, fraud or counterfeit sales
When negotiation or court action may be better
Alternative dispute resolution is not suitable for every case. A negotiated acquisition may be faster where the legal record is uncertain and the commercial value is clear. Court proceedings may be preferable where broader injunctions, damages, disclosure or action against several parties is required.
.fr and .eu domain recovery
Request a .fr or .eu recovery assessment
Send us the disputed domain, the rights relied on, the desired remedy and any urgent business context. We will identify the appropriate procedure and the evidence still needed.
For generic extensions such as .com, see UDRP domain name disputes.
