The Syreli procedure (SYstème de REsolution de LItiges, or Dispute Resolution System) is an extrajudicial mechanism set up by AFNIC (Association française pour le nommage Internet en coopération, or French Association for Cooperative Internet Naming) to resolve disputes relating to domain names registered under the extensions it manages, such as .fr, .re, .yt, .pm, .wf, and .tf.
Purpose of the Syreli procedure
Syreli allows any individual or legal entity to request the deletion or transfer of a domain name that it considers to be infringing on its rights, particularly in cases of cybersquatting (the abusive registration of a domain name to harm or take unfair advantage of a trademark or name).
Eligibility requirements
To initiate a Syreli procedure, the applicant must demonstrate that:
- they have a prior right (e.g., trademark, company name, trade name, prior domain name, copyright, family name, local authority, etc.).
- the disputed domain name conflicts with this right.
- the registration or renewal of the domain name was made in bad faith or is likely to infringe on their rights.
The burden of proof lies with the complainant.
The decision may result in the deletion or transfer of the domain name to the complainant.
Limitations of the Syreli procedure
- It is reserved for domain names managed by AFNIC. It therefore does not allow for the handling of disputes concerning domain names registered under other extensions, such as .com, .net, etc.
- It does not replace legal action; in the event of disagreement with the decision rendered, the parties may refer the matter to the competent court for resolution.