After this default, the domain name challenger typically is made the owner of the disputed domain name. Controversial decisions receive the most attention. Some commentators have criticized these decisions as improper on the basis that no one person can have exclusive rights in common words found in the dictionary. For a fee, a reply brief may be filed in proceedings before the National Arbitration Forum. Panelists tend to be trademark or intellectual property specialists.
Panelists tend to be from academia.
As of April 2001, more than 3000 domain name proceedings covering 6016 names had been filed. In 79 percent of the cases the party challenging the domain name was able to obtain ownership of the disputed domain name.