HKIRC and the AALCO HKRAC to Sign MOU
on Digital Brand Protection and Dispute Resolution
Hong Kong, 12 June 2025 – Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited (HKIRC) and the AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre (AALCO HKRAC) are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 12 June, under which AALCO HKRAC will serve as a designated dispute resolution service provider for .hk domain-related matters. This appointment marks a significant step in strengthening intellectual property (IP) and brand protection in the digital sphere. The event also features a Fireside Chat, hosted by Mr. Nick Chan, Director of AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre, to discuss the role of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in safeguarding digital assets, with a focus on .hk domain name governance and brand protection.
Strengthening Digital Brand Protection
With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital commerce, protecting digital identities has become a priority for businesses worldwide. The collaboration between AALCO HKRAC and HKIRC aims to provide a robust mechanism to address .hk domain name disputes, ensuring that businesses and individuals can operate in a secure and trustworthy online environment.
Through this partnership, AALCO HKRAC will offer an effective dispute resolution platform for cases involving .hk domain name disputes, providing a neutral, legally robust, and internationally recognized process under Hong Kong’s arbitration regime.
A Trusted and Efficient Dispute Resolution Mechanism
As an intergovernmental organization backed by 49 member states, AALCO HKRAC provides a country-neutral arbitration platform that ensures fairness and impartiality. Hong Kong’s strong legal framework, including its Arbitration Ordinance (Cap. 609), allows for the arbitration of IP disputes and the enforcement of arbitral awards, making it a highly attractive venue for resolving digital rights conflicts.
Key benefits of resolving disputes through AALCO HKRAC include:
• Impartial and Neutral Arbitration: Ensuring no undue influence from any jurisdiction.
• Enforceability of Awards: Hong Kong-seated arbitration awards are recognized under the New York Convention in over 172 countries.
• Secure and Efficient Process: Utilizing technology such as blockchain, AI, and online dispute resolution platforms to enhance transparency and accessibility.
The Role of HKIRC in Digital Asset Protection
HKIRC, as the administrator of Hong Kong’s domain name system, plays a crucial role in maintaining a secure and reliable internet environment. The MOU will enable closer collaboration between HKIRC and AALCO HKRAC to enhance brand protection mechanisms, especially against malicious cyber activities such as phishing, domain squatting, and fraudulent website operations. Ir. Wilson Wong, CEO of HKIRC, will officially sign the MOU, reaffirming HKIRC’s commitment to supporting businesses and individuals in protecting their digital identities.
Learn more about HKIRC’s Domain Dispute Policies and Procedures, and Listed of Approved Dispute Resolution Service Providers: https://www.hkirc.hk/en/our-services-support/domain-dispute-policies-and-procedures/a-list-of-sp/
Fireside Chat: The Future of IP Protection in the Digital Era
Following the signing ceremony, a Fireside Chat was held to explore the challenges and opportunities in IP protection amid AI advancements and digital transformation. The discussion will be hosted by Mr. Nick Chan, Director of AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre, alongside industry experts who will share best practices, legal considerations, and innovative solutions for safeguarding digital assets, with a particular focus on .hk domain name usage and online brand protection.
The event marks a milestone in Hong Kong’s efforts to position itself as a leading hub for IP arbitration and digital brand protection. Businesses, legal professionals, and stakeholders in the digital economy are encouraged to participate and learn more about leveraging arbitration and ADR mechanisms to secure their online presence.
– End –
About HKIRC
Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited (HKIRC) is a not-for-profit and non-statutory corporation designated by the HKSAR Government to administer the registration of Internet domain names under .hk and .香港 country-code top level domains. HKIRC provides registration services through its registrars for domain names ending with .com.hk, .org.hk, .gov.hk, .edu.hk, .net.hk, .idv.hk, 公司.香港, .組織.香港, .政府.香港, .教育.香港, .網絡.香港, .個人.香港, .hk and .香港.
About AALCO
AALCO stands for the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization. AALCO is an inter-governmental organization that was founded in 1956 and now with 49 member states comprising the major states from Asia and Africa. AALCO has been accorded Permanent Observer status at the United Nations. AALCO is a significant force contributing to international developments, model contracts for international transactions, protection of investments, e-Commerce, settlement of international disputes, and shaping various international treaties, law of the sea, improving humanitarian laws on treatment of refugees, environmental and sustainable development, assisting in mutual cooperation on judicial assistance, developing international law in cyberspace and tackling pressing global challenges including biodiversity loss and climate change.
About AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre
Chosen from 193 countries and nearly 700 cities in the People’s Republic of China, AALCO has established a regional arbitration centre in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre specializes in utilizing and promoting legal technology to resolve disputes, providing a cutting-edge online dispute resolution platform that aligns with the APEC Collaborative Framework for Online Dispute Resolution of Cross-Border Business-to-Business Disputes. It is currently focused on developing research and training in sports arbitration in Hong Kong.
Press Contact
Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited
Tel： +852 2319 3835
Email： marketing@hkirc.hk