Ethan Katsh, professor and member of the UDRP Task Force, has drafted a proposal for refinement of databases containing UDRP decisions, to allow in effect for keynote-style searching.  While I think he is a little too harsh on the status quo of UDRP databases, his proposal is worthwhile and the document itself is an invaluable list of UDRP resources.

When reading the proposal, two thoughts occurred to me.  The first is that while in comparison to what electronic publishing makes possible, yes, the UDRP database could be made better but in the context of comparing UDRP research to, for example, U.S. civil litigation research, where one either has to have access to West publications or Lexis databases, the UDRP is universally available and universally affordable.

Second, Professor Katsh’s proposed “keynote” system for the UDRP may represent a more user-friendly method of categorizing caselaw.  This may not actually empower the layperson and “dis-intermediate” the lawyer, but some laypeople may think that it does.  Disclosure – I am a lawyer and I only approve of dis-intermediating lawyers other than myself.