Terms and Conditions — DomainDisputes.net

Terms and Conditions

Last updated: January 2025

1. Introduction

These terms and conditions apply to legal services provided by DomainDisputes.net (trading style of Richard Hanstock), a barrister regulated by the Bar Standards Board.

Professional details:

  • Barrister regulated by the Bar Standards Board
  • Chambers: 2-3 Gray’s Inn Square, London WC1R 5JH

2. The Work You Are Instructing Me to Do

The scope of work depends on which package you have purchased:

Cease & Desist Package (£500 + VAT)

Scope includes:

  • Review of a single domain (plus any additional domains purchased, provided that they relate to the same brand)
  • Legal advice and written report on infringement
  • Draft letter to send to request the cessation of the infringing activity (if appropriate)

Takedown Package (£2,500 + VAT + filing fees)

Scope includes:

  • Representation in a domain name dispute resolution programme such as URS
  • Best possible outcome under the programme is domain takedown/suspension
  • Case preparation, evidence compilation, and filing
  • Panel communications throughout the process

Takeover Package (£5,000 + VAT + filing fees)

Scope includes:

  • Representation in a domain name dispute resolution programme such as UDRP
  • Programme allows for transfer of the domain name to you
  • Comprehensive case strategy and evidence preparation
  • Panel representation throughout the entire process

Defend Package (£7,500 + VAT)

Scope includes:

  • Advice and advocacy in the course of a domain name dispute resolution programme
  • Defence against complaints filed against your domain
  • Case analysis, evidence development, and strategic response
  • Full representation throughout the defence process

3. What Is Not Included

All packages exclude:

  • VAT (charged at the standard UK rate)
  • Court filings and registry fees (payable direct to relevant authorities)
  • Advice about remedies other than recognised domain name dispute programmes
  • Additional or out-of-scope work (chargeable at £475 + VAT per hour, payable on demand)

4. Payment Terms

  • Fixed-fee structure: All services are provided on a fixed-fee basis as specified
  • Payment in advance: Full payment is required before work commences
  • Multi-currency payments: We accept payments in GBP, USD, and EUR
  • Additional work: Any work outside the agreed scope will be charged at £475 + VAT per hour
  • No refunds: Once work has commenced, fees are non-refundable except as required by law

5. Your Rights

Cancellation Rights

  • You have 14 days from the date of contract to cancel without giving reason
  • If you cancel within 14 days and work has not started, you will receive a full refund
  • If work has commenced, you may be charged for work completed up to cancellation

Right to Information

  • You are entitled to regular updates on your case progress
  • You may request copies of all documents and correspondence
  • You may request an estimate of likely timescales

6. Professional Standards and Regulation

Bar Standards Board Regulation

  • All work is undertaken in compliance with the Bar Standards Board Code of Conduct
  • Professional indemnity insurance covers all legal work undertaken
  • You can verify my professional status on the Barristers’ Register

Quality Standards

  • Work will be completed with reasonable skill and care
  • All advice given will be based on current law and best practice
  • Confidentiality will be maintained at all times

7. Complaints Procedure

If you are not satisfied with our service:

  1. Initial complaint: Contact us directly to discuss your concerns
  2. Formal complaint: Submit a formal complaint using our complaints procedure
  3. Legal Ombudsman: If unresolved, you may refer the matter to the Legal Ombudsman

8. Limitations of Liability

Professional Liability

  • Liability is limited to the amount of professional indemnity insurance held
  • No liability for consequential losses or business interruption
  • Maximum liability per claim is limited to £100,000

Outcome Limitations

  • No guarantee is given regarding the outcome of domain dispute proceedings
  • Results depend on panel decisions and case-specific circumstances
  • Success rates vary depending on the strength of trademark rights and evidence

9. Data Protection and Confidentiality

Client Confidentiality

  • All information provided will be kept strictly confidential
  • Information may only be disclosed with your consent or as required by law
  • Client files are retained for 7 years after completion of work

Data Processing

  • Personal data is processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy
  • Data is stored securely and not shared with third parties without consent
  • You have rights to access, correct, or delete your personal data

10. Dispute Resolution

Governing Law

  • These terms are governed by English law
  • Any disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of English courts

Alternative Dispute Resolution

  • We are committed to resolving disputes through negotiation where possible
  • Mediation may be offered as an alternative to litigation
  • The Legal Ombudsman provides an independent dispute resolution service

11. General Terms

Entire Agreement

  • These terms constitute the entire agreement between us
  • Any variations must be agreed in writing
  • Previous communications are superseded by these terms

Force Majeure

  • Performance may be suspended due to circumstances beyond reasonable control
  • This includes government restrictions, technical failures, or other external factors

Severability

  • If any provision is found unenforceable, the remainder of the terms remain valid
  • Invalid provisions will be replaced with enforceable equivalents where possible

Contact Information

DomainDisputes.net
Trading style of Richard Hanstock
2-3 Gray’s Inn Square, London WC1R 5JH

Professional Regulation:

For questions about these terms, please contact us.