Your Trusted Partner for Resolving .hk and .香港 Domain Disputes
The AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre (AALCO-HKRAC) serves as an official dispute resolution provider for .hk and .香港 domain disputes. Our arbitration process delivers final and binding decisions under Hong Kong's Arbitration Ordinance (Cap. 609) and applicable policy and rules, ensuring adherence to principles of fairness, efficiency, and international best practices.
About HKIRC
The Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited (HKIRC), established in December 2001, is a non-profit organization dedicated to managing Hong Kong's top-level domains (including .hk and .香港) and committed to fostering the secure and sustainable development of Hong Kong's internet ecosystem.
Case Proceedings
Our professional case team confirms receipt and initiates arbitration swiftly. Most cases conclude in under 60 days, ensuring fast-track resolutions.
1. Policy, Rules and Supplemental Rules
The HKIRC maintains an effective arbitration procedure under the following policies, rules, and legislation:
2. Submit Your Case
Email Submission: Download and email completed forms to [email protected]:
3. Fees
The applicable fees for each domain name arbitration procedure are as follows:
| Panel Type | Panelist Fees (HKD) | AALCO-HKRAC Administrative Fees (HKD) | Total Fees (HKD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Member Panel | 5,000 | 5,000 | 10,000 |
| Three-Member Panel | 15,000 | 5,000 | 20,000 |
Methods of Payment
Payment may be made by any of the following means:
A. Cheque
By cheque payable to "AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre" in Hong Kong Dollars.
Please note that only cheques from Hong Kong banks can be accepted.
B. Bank transfer
Please contact us (by email to [email protected] by phone to +852 2180 0923) prior to payment to confirm the bank account details for bank transfer.
Please note that all bank charges shall be borne by the remitting party.
4. General Information on Domain Name Dispute
4.1 Why Do Domain Name Disputes Occur?
Domain name disputes typically arise from when a domain name’s registration or use infringes on third-party trademark rights. Resolving these disputes requires an understanding of domain name technical architecture and registration rules.
A top-level domain (TLD), or domain suffix, is the last segment of a domain name (e.g., “.org” in “aalcohkrac.org”), and there are over 1,500 generic TLDs (gTLDs) (e.g., .com, .info) and 300 country code TLDs (ccTLDs) (.cn, .hk, .香港) globally.
The Technical Architecture of Domain Names
The top-level domain (TLD) is the highest level in the domain name system, appearing at the far right (e.g., ".org" in "aalcohkrac.org" is the TLD, while "aalcohkrac" is the second-level domain). Global TLDs fall into two categories:
- Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs):
- Over 1,500 types (e.g., .com, .info, .trademark)
- Managed globally by ICANN.
- Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs):
- Over 300 types (e.g., .cn, .hk, .香港[.hongkong])
- Independently managed by local registries.
TLDs can also be classified by registration method:
- Open Registration:Domains like .com or .hk, available publicly on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Restricted Registration:Domains like .int (limited to international treaty organizations) or .bank (limited to licensed banks), which enforce strict eligibility criteria.
Domain Name Registration & Expedited Dispute Resolution
Cybersquatting occurs when domains confusingly similar to trademarks are registered maliciously—often to extort rights holders or mislead consumers. ICANN and local registries (e.g., HKIRC) provide expedited dispute resolution mechanisms (e.g., UDRP and HKDRP), enabling trademark owners to reclaim domains efficiently without litigation.
4.2 Why Protect Your .hk and .香港 Domain Names?
Hong Kong is a globally recognised financial and commercial hub, serving as a critical bridge between Mainland China and international markets. A .hk or .香港 domain instantly signals your connection to this dynamic economy, enhancing trust and credibility among customers, investors, and partners. In a region where digital presence is synonymous with professionalism, securing a localised domain:
- Establishes a local market foothold with global alignment: Reinforce your brand’s local presence while maintaining international relevance.
- Leverages Hong Kong’s core advantages: Align with Hong Kong’s reputation for robust rule of law and business-friendly infrastructure.
- Enhances regional search visibility: Improve search engine rankings in Hong Kong and Greater China markets.
4.3 Key Elements of a Domain Name Dispute
A complainant must prove all three of the following:
- The disputed domain name is identical or confusingly similar to their registered trademark.
- The respondent does not legitimate rights or interests in the domain name.
- The domain was registered and used in bad faith (e.g., for profiteering).
The respondent must：
Provide substantive evidence rebutting these claims.
4.4 Proactive Monitoring Tip
As of June 2024, over 367 million domain names are registered globally, with hundreds of thousands added or expiring daily. Trademark owners should use professional monitoring tools to promptly detect infringing registrations and initiate dispute procedures to protect their rights.