To help parties to a domain name dispute select appropriately qualified panelists, the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center has established a List of Panelists who have agreed to serve on WIPO Domain Name Administrative Panels. WIPO panelists come from different regions of the world and are well-reputed for their impartiality, sound judgement and experience as decision-makers, as well as their substantive experience in the areas of intellectual property law, electronic commerce and the Internet. Each panelist's professional profile has been made available. Some of these panelists also appear on the lists of other ICANN-accredited dispute resolution service providers.
Before making a panelist appointment, the Center checks with each prospective panelist whether there are any facts or circumstances, past or present, or that could arise in the foreseeable future, that might call in to question that person's independence in the eyes of one or both of the parties in the administrative proceeding. Taking into consideration the envisioned procedural schedule in a case, the Center also checks whether the prospective panelist is able to commit the time required to discharge his or her duties responsibly and within the required deadlines. Finally, the Center requires all prospective panelists to complete and submit a Statement of Acceptance and Declaration of Impartiality and Independence.