Domain Names
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What is a domain name?
Each device on the Internet has a unique numeric Internet Protocol (IP) address that identifies its location on the web. These strings of numbers can be difficult to remember, so the system of domain names was created to provide memorable identifiers – like “spoor.com”, for example.
A domain name usually consists of a top-level and a second-level domain. The top-level domain (TLD) is the part after the last dot, of which the most common is currently “.com”. The second-level domain (SLD) is the part that comes before the last dot; as in “spoor” in “spoor.com”.
Why do you need a domain name?
In the age of e-commerce and the Internet of Things, domain names serve as valuable corporate assets and unique business identifiers. Registering a domain name for your brand also blocks the registration of your specific brand name by ill-intentioned third parties (called “cybersquatters”).
How do you register a domain name?
With our help. Spoor & Fisher is able to register all domain extensions available on the market today. “Domain name registration” refers to the process of leasing a domain name from the official domain name registries for a period of time. It is possible to renew a domain indefinitely, which means you don’t have to worry about losing yours when it is about to expire.
Although most domains are open for public registration with no prerequisites, there are some top-level domains that are not. For example, “.gov” domains are reserved for government entities. In addition, some country code top-level domains (“.co.id” for Indonesia, for example) may require that your business have a commercial presence in the country concerned.
When it comes to South African domain names, we are able to conduct an “availability search” to ascertain whether your trade mark or brand name can be registered as a domain name under the most commonly used commercial domain space “co.za”. If it can, we proceed with registration.
Domain names are allocated on a first-come-first-served-basis.
Can a domain name be registered as a trade mark?
What is “cybersquatting”?
Cybersquatting is the common but unethical practice of buying a domain name specifically to keep a competitor from buying it. Some cybersquatters also hold a specific domain name until it is needed and then make a profit from selling it. But there are mechanisms in place to recover your domain name from cybersquatters, and Spoor & Fisher can assist you with this.
If you are interested in registering or enforcing a domain name, please contact us for more information.
How long does a registration last?
Most registries offer a one-year registration and renewal periods in one-year increments, but there are exceptions. Domains can be renewed indefinitely.
How do you renew a domain name?
Spoor & Fisher’s policy is to renew all domain names annually on your behalf, unless we receive your instruction not to do so. This is so that you don’t lose the rights to domain names that incorporate your trade marks or brand names. If you let us know that you no longer require a domain name, we will allow it to expire and it will return to the pool of available domain names.
What if your preferred domain name is unavailable?
In this case, it would be best to choose an alternative. There are hundreds of domain extensions that are available for immediate registration and we can advise you in this regard. If, however, you believe that the current registration of your preferred domain name is objectionable, we can investigate the matter on your behalf and, if possible, help you to recover that domain name.
What is a domain name transfer?
If you change domain name registries or if you want to sell or otherwise transfer your domain name to someone else, that change is known as a transfer. We can assist you with this.
How do you enforce a domain name?
If a third party has registered your company’s brand name as a domain name, or if you are the victim of cybersquatting, there are alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in place to resolve your complaint. A number of Spoor & Fisher professionals serve on domain name adjudication panels and regularly adjudicate domain name complaints, which tend to be more affordable and quicker than traditional court proceedings.
However, we can also assist with commercial transactions, dispute resolution, and litigation. You will find a full list of our domain name services here.
If you are interested in registering or enforcing a domain name, please contact us for more information.