auDA appeal against Bottle injunction rejected

Sources close to the action have told iTnews that "the injunction stands" - at least until the full hearings begin on Wednesday of next week.

iTnews understands that auDA will have to reverse domain transfers back to Bottle Domains and issue a notification to affected customers as part of the latest rulings.

Both parties appear to be confident of a positive outcome in their favour.

But the ruling will likely be a blow to auDA, which only this morning released a statement that it had a "duty" to the Commonwealth Government and the Australian internet community to administer the .au domain name system in their best interests of both parties and to preserve the system's stability and integrity.

Earlier today, iTnews revealed that Bottle Domains' temporary injunction against a revoke of its .AU accreditation was in limbo after auDA lodged an eleventh hour appeal against the ruling.

The appeal delayed the reinstatement of Bottle Domains' business by at least 24 hours.

Bottle Domains had earlier speculated the business would be back online today.

"Further instructions and a formal statement" from Bottle Domains are expected shortly.

The action began after auDA accused Bottle Domains of covering up a security breach in 2007, a claim that the registrar denies.

auDA released its own statement confirming the decision in Bottle's favour. It also revised guidance to holders of domain names bought from Bottle Domains or its resellers.

"Bottle Domains will be able to continue offering all normal registrar services, including domain name registrations, updates and renewals," auDA said.

"Customers and resellers of Bottle Domains who have not transferred their domain names will be able to continue dealing with Bottle Domains as their registrar for the time being, if they wish."