REGISTRATION RULES AND COSTS

What does it mean to "register" a domain name?

If I want to register a domain name, how do I find out if it is available?

I tried to register a domain name, but discovered that it has already been registered. What can I do?

How can I get a domain name in .com, .net or .org?

What is involved in registering a domain name in .com, .net or .org? What rules apply?

Do I need a Web site before I register a domain name?

Are there any restrictions regarding the securing of domain names?

How much does a country-specific domain name cost?

How long does it take to register a country-specific domain name?

Can I register any word or words as my domain name in a generic TLD? Do copyright laws apply to domain names?

Can I secure my family name?

REGISTRATION RULES AND COSTS

What does it mean to "register" a domain name?

In lay terms, to register a domain name means to purchase a "new plot of cyberspace" on the World Wide Web. Technically, the Internet domain name system (DNS) consists of a directory, organized hierarchically, of all the domain names and their corresponding computers registered to particular companies and persons using the Internet. When you register a domain name, it will be associated with the computer on the Internet you designate during the period the registration is in effect.

If I want to register a domain name, how do I find out if it is available?

There are many sites on the Internet that can tell you if your name is available for purchase including namebargain.com. Simply type the domain name at namebargain.com homepage, press "go," and you will be immediately notified if it is available. If your name is unavailable, try alternative permutations. This service is free, and there is no obligation to register. It's important to know where your name is available before engaging in a multi-country registration project. Many companies are surprised to learn that their valued product, brand, or company name has been registered in other country-specific TLDs.

I tried to register a domain name, but discovered that it has already been registered. What can I do?

There are several possibilities. If you wished to buy sports.com for example, you will discover that it is already taken. Perhaps sportsonline.com or cybersports.com is available. Try to be creative. You will discover that a domain name like sports.com is in great demand, and most permutations on this theme have also already been registered. GoldNames offers a full range of services for acting as an agent and a broker on your behalf to acquire already-registered domain names. The site nameboy.com is an excellent tool for offering many simple alternative suggestions for taken domains.

How can I get a domain name in .com, .net or .org?

Domain names ending with .com, .net or .org can be registered through many different companies (known as "registrars") that compete with one another. We recommend namebargain.com. These global domains are recognized and used in the Internet market worldwide.

What is involved in registering a domain name in .com, .net or .org? What rules apply?

To register a domain name, you simply need to visit a site that offers registration services, like namebargain.com. There is an electronic form to fill out for submission, and the registrar will then record the contact information, submitting the technical information to a central directory known as the "registry." This registry provides other computers on the Internet the information necessary to send you e-mail or to find your web site. You will also be required to enter a registration contract with the registrar, which sets forth the terms under which your registration is accepted and will be maintained. Traditionally, however, names in .net have been used by organizations involved in Internet infrastructure activities while .org is frequently used by not-for-profit organizations. These are by no means hard and fast rules, however.

Do I need a Web site before I register a domain name?

In most countries, you do NOT need either a Web site or an ISP to register a domain name in any country code.

Are there any restrictions regarding the securing of domain names?

Some TLDs like .edu (reserved for colleges and universities), .gov (reserved for US government organizations), .mil (reserved for the US military), etc. are unavailable to the general public. Also ccTLDs like .no (for Norway), .nl (for Netherlands), .be (for Belgium) have various rules that restrict open registration, and the nature of these regulations vary from country to country. Even in countries with liberal registration guidelines like the United Kingdom (.uk) certain compound TLDs like .ltd.uk (for private limited companies) and .plc.uk (for public limited companies) are restricted from general use. Consult our TLD restrictions database for specific questions.

How much does a country-specific domain name cost?

Each country has set out different laws for its registration requirements, and, as such, registration fees have differed across borders beginning at as little as one English pound for a name ending in .co.uk and reaching as much as $US500 in countries with very strict regulations.

How long does it take to register a country-specific domain name?

It generally takes no more than 48 hours to prepare and submit the application to the appropriate registry. The majority of confirmations are received within 3-5 days after submission.

Can I register any word or words as my domain name in a generic TLD? Do copyright laws apply to domain names?

As long as a word or phrase falls with the restrictions for diction and length, it can be registered. However, the judicial systems of most countries of the world have chosen to protect the domain names for copyrighted names, products, and property. The courts can enforce and have instituted punitive damages against people registering domains with copyright infringements. Were you to register coca-cola.com, donkeykong.com, or applecomputers.com, you might find yourself on the receiving end of an unfavorable legal decision. Personal and family names, however, are not protected by these laws. For more details please read the policies set out at the central regulatory body, ICANN.org.

Can I secure my family name?

Yes, and family names are being registered extremely quickly. Many people register their names in order to get a personalized domain for family email addresses or to create a web site about family information.