DOMAIN NAMES
Below you will find asnwers to some of the most frequently asked questions relating to domain names.
Do not hesitate to contact our offices if you have further questions.
Domain names were devised to make the internet user friendly. All computers and servers connected to the internet communicate with one another by means of IP addresses. Behind every internet domain name is an IP address so that when you visit a website, for example www.novagraaf.nl, your PC makes a connection with the unique IP address of this site.
Although computers can easily get to grips with a sequence of numbers, people are not so good at this. Because an IP address is very long and difficult to remember, it was decided to link the addresses to real names. A domain name is thus an intelligible, traceable and unique internet address that is associated with a number sequence.
By registering a domain name, you acquire the exclusive right to use the name for a certain period of time. The registration can be renewed after a period of one to two years and most internet providers will do this automatically. Domain name owners can sell their registration or simply not renew it, in which case the domain name can be claimed by someone else.
With a domain name you create you own place on the internet because every domain name is unique. As an owner of a domain name you can:
- put a website on the domain and use various email addresses with the domain name. For example, www.yourcompany.nl as website and info@yourcompany.nl as email address;
- link the domain name to another domain name;
- register a domain name for later use to prevent someone else from registering the name.
There are significant differences between a trade mark registration and a domain name registration.
A trade mark registration gives the exclusive right to use the name of a particular product or service in one or more countries. Trade mark law also provides a legal structure to protect against infringement.
A domain name registration only allows a name to be used worldwide as a unique address on the internet. A domain name is therefore not like a trademark right which is limited to a specific territory. In addition, there is no specific legal framework for domain names. The only protection is that nobody else can have access to the internet with exactly the same name, irrespective of their activities. However, it is possible to register a domain name which is only slightly different from an existing domain name.
There are many kinds of extensions that can be chosen when registering a domain name. For example, there are country extensions, such as .nl for the Netherlands and .be for Belgium, or generic extensions, for example .com, .org, .net, .info, .biz, .eu, .asia. In the past the registration of a .com domain name was restricted to companies but now individuals may also claim a name with this extension.
Novagraaf has years of experience with national and international registration of domain names.
.nl domain names:
An application for a .nl domain name is submitted to the "Stichting Internet Domeinregistratie Nederland" (SIDN). Before submitting your application, we confirm the domain name is still available. .nl domain names can only be issued once by SIDN, working on the principle of first come, first served. Anyone may apply for a .nl domain name; as long as they are resident of or registered in the Netherlands. If you are not registered in or resident of the Netherlands, you must provide a local address for the delivery of written documents. If necessary, Novagraaf can provide you with a local address.
As of February 2008, it is possible to register numeric .nl domain names. These are domain names that consist solely of numbers, with the option of underscores.
Other domain names:
It is not possible to provide general rules for other extensions as there are currently almost 300 of them. Generic Top-Level Domains, gTLDs, .com, .net, .org, .biz, .info, .mobi, etc., can be applied for without forms or restrictions; the same applies to a .eu domain. Each country has different requirements for country code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs) with their own country extensions, such as .nl, .de, .co.uk, .be, .es, etc. Many countries have absolutely no requirements. Novagraaf can help you fulfil any requirement to make it easier to register a domain name.A domain name registered by Novagraaf will automatically be renewed until Novagraaf is otherwise instructed. In addition, we can refer domain names to websites of your choice without charge. We also take care of all administrative tasks. In a nutshell, we protect and manage your domain names, leaving you with time to concentrate on other businesses.
