Your domain name is a valuable asset for your business and should be included in your overall intellectual property strategy.
A domain name is an alphanumeric identifier used to access a specific website on the Internet. It serves as a unique address that allows users to locate a business, individual, or organization online. In legal terms, it is a form of intangible property capable of being registered, licensed, or transferred.
Registering a domain name secures exclusive rights to use that address on the Internet. It prevents others from using the same or confusingly similar domain. It also forms part of a business's brand identity and can function as an asset in commercial transactions, including licensing or sale.
Any individual or legal entity may register a domain name, provided the desired name is available and not already registered. In some jurisdictions or with certain suffixes, additional eligibility criteria may apply, such as local presence or incorporation.
The domain name chosen should reflect the registrant’s business name, trade mark, or brand. It should be distinctive, easy to recall, and not infringe upon the existing rights of others. Where possible, it should align with the registrant’s commercial activities to reinforce recognition.
The suffix, also known as a top-level domain (TLD), should correspond with the purpose and geographic scope of the registrant’s activities. For example, .com is commonly used for commercial purposes, .org for non-profit entities, and country-specific suffixes such as .ng or .uk for national presence.
A domain name registrar is an accredited entity authorized to facilitate the registration and management of domain names. It acts as an intermediary between the domain name registrant and the domain registry, ensuring proper allocation, renewal, and record maintenance.
A domain name is typically registered for a period ranging from one to ten years, subject to renewal upon expiration. The registrant must monitor renewal deadlines to avoid forfeiture or lapsing of rights.
Yes. A domain name may be sold or transferred to another party, subject to the registrar’s terms and applicable legal considerations. It may constitute a valuable asset, particularly where it is associated with significant online traffic or brand value.
Yes. If the domain name is identical or confusingly similar to a registered trade mark or business name, legal remedies may be available. These include initiating proceedings under dispute resolution mechanisms such as the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP), or pursuing claims for trade mark infringement or passing off before a competent court or tribunal.
