DomainNameWire blogs about the Czech Arbitration Court’s announcement that it will soon start charging 500 euros to file a UDRP, which is substantially cheaper than WIPO or the NAF charges.

This could start a race to the bottom as the competing arbitration groups try to make themselves more attractive to Complainants.

Aren’t lower prices a good thing?   Not if the consequences are that the low prices encourage more frivolous filings.   The lack of uniformity in the decisions handed down are turning the UDRP process into a lottery.   The price of the lottery ticket may get cheaper.

Another bad consequence would be if the lower cost of a UDRP translates into lower compensation for panelists, as it may drive the more thoughtful, conscientious panelists out of the process.   Their places may be filled with an ever increasing number of hacks who are happy to trade their credentials for a quick buck and an opportunity, as they see it, to fight the good fight against cybersquatters.