A. Introduction

There has been a well-documented explosive growth in the number of internet web sites which have been created in the last few years, and which will more than likely continue to grow at a great pace.

Each such web site has a Universal Resource Locator; commonly know as "URL" e.g. www.hkiac.org or www.hkiac.com.hk, commonly known as a domain name.

The administration of such domain names rest with organizations like the Internet Corporation for the Assignment of Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the Hong Kong Domain Name Register (HKDNR) .

With the exponential growth in the demand for the registration of domain names there has naturally developed conflicts and disputes as to who is entitled to the ownership of certain domain names. How to resolve these disputes has been a major problem in the administration of domain names.

The Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) in recognising the need for dispute resolution mechanisms for resolving domain name disputes has established panels of arbitrators and neutrals who have the necessary expertise and knowledge to assist disputants resolve their domain name differences in a quick and cost effective manner.

In light of the above, any person who wishes to be considered for inclusion in the .hk Domain Name Dispute Resolution Arbitration Panel should read the following information carefully and submit the necessary documentation accordingly.

B. Objectives of the HKIAC Domain Name Dispute Resolution Panel Assessments

The HKIAC Domain Name Dispute Resolution Panel Assessment system is designed:-

		To establish and safeguard minimum professional standards for .hk domain name dispute arbitration practice;
		To help the public utilise the best existing arbitration and intellectual property expertise throughout the worldwide, and
		To encourage professional advancement and training for those who are part of the .hk Domain Name Dispute Resolution process.

C. HKIAC Domain Name Dispute Resolution Panel Listing Requirements

Each candidate who wishes to be considered for inclusion on the HKIAC .hk Domain Name Dispute Resolution Panel Listing must demonstrate to the HKIAC Domain Name Dispute Resolution Panel Selection Committee (the "Committee") the following:-

		The candidates has substantial arbitration and/or intellectual property experience; and
		The candidate has knowledge in the field of information technology and computing including without limitation the use of email; and
		The candidate has an established and recognized international reputation; and
		The candidate has not been found guilty of misconduct by a court or disciplinary tribunal which calls into question the candidate's ability to act as arbitrator; and
		The candidate has not reached the age limit of 75 years old; and
		Make available two references in support of the application; and
		Attend a one-day seminar approved by the HKIAC on Domain Name Dispute Resolution process.
	The Committee in its entire discretion may waive any or all of the above criteria.

D. Renewal of HKIAC Domain Name Dispute Resolution Panel Listing

Inclusion on the HKIAC .hk Domain Name Dispute Resolution Panel of Arbitrators shall be for a period of two years. All Panelists shall be required to renew their inclusion on the Panel by submitting an up-to-date Form DNPM1 together with an up-to-date one pages CV, and shall show evidence that such Panelist has within the two-year period, completed a refresher seminar regarding Domain Names Dispute Resolution process approved by the HKIAC.

Failure to renew will result in removal from the Panel.

E. Code of Conduct

All Panelists are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Arbitrators, available at the HKIAC website address www.hkiac.org.

If a Panelist fails to observe the Code of Conduct, the Committee may at its discretion remove the Panelist without providing reasons for doing so. The decision of the Committee shall be final.

F. Application Procedures

A candidates for inclusion on the HKIAC .hk Domain Name Dispute Resolution Panel of Arbitrators is required to complete and submit Form DNPM1 together with a standard CV (as attached). Completed application forms together with the standard CV are to be submitted to the HKIAC Domain Name Dispute Resolution Panel Selection Committee, c/o Secretary General of the HKIAC, electronically by email to adr@hkiac.org followed by a copy to the mailing address below:-

HKIAC Domain Name Dispute Resolution Panel Selection Committee
c/o Secretary General
Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre
38th Floor, Two Exchange Square
Central
Hong Kong