Apple wins iPhone5.com domain dispute, ordered to be transferred

Earlier this month, Apple moved to gain control of iPhone 5.com from a domain squatter who used it as a forum full of ads. The company filed a dispute with the World Intellectual Property Organization, which now appears to have granted Apple’s request today. As The Next Web reported, the squatter relinquished control of the domain, and control now goes to brand protection agency Corporation Service Company, which Apple could be using to take control.

Don not think that this confirms the next iPhone will be called “iPhone 5,” because Apple often works to get its rightful domains from squatters. Last July, Apple gained control of iPods.com and received full ownership of the domain. The folks in Cupertino are known to throw around cash for domains—like when they reportedly purchased iCloud.com for $4.5 million. The terms of today’s deal were not disclosed.

When Apple follows the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy, as it did in this case, the company ends up paying thousands —rather than millions— to gain control. Will Apple continue on to gain control of domains like iPhone6.com, iPad.com, and Macs.com? Check out the full policy below to get an idea of how this works:

All registrars must follow the the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (often referred to as the “UDRP”). Under the policy, most types of trademark-based domain-name disputes must be resolved by agreement, court action, or arbitration before a registrar will cancel, suspend, or transfer a domain name. Disputes alleged to arise from abusive registrations of domain names (for example, cybersquatting) may be addressed by expedited administrative proceedings that the holder of trademark rights initiates by filing a complaint with an approved dispute-resolution service provider.