This latest development of the UDRP is expected to substantially improve the efficiency of the mechanism by reducing the time and cost involved in submitting WIPO UDRP filings and to save up to one million pages of paper filed per year making it a greener and largely paperless procedure. While this leaner, more efficient procedure will become mandatory from March 1, 2010, ICANN in an announcement dated December 7, 2009, has signaled that UDRP providers may begin accepting electronic filings with immediate effect as long parties also have the option of submitting hard copies.   

The modified Rules arose from a WIPO Center proposal made to ICANN in December 2008. Following an ICANN public comment process on the proposal in August 2009 which reflected broad support from UDRP stakeholders, an amendment package was submitted by WIPO to ICANN in September 2009. These modifications to the Rules governing the UDRP were approved by the ICANN Board at its Seoul meeting on October 30, 2009 with an implementation process subsequently announced by ICANN on December 7, 2009.  

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