Posts Tagged ‘domain names’

Understanding the WHOIS Search Service

One of the common features available to domain registrants all around the world is the WHOIS search service. The service, operated as a separate repository for each geographical location, is akin to a localised registry for domains. Behind the functional operation of the local service is AusRegistry, who administer and maintain the system on behalf of all users. More specifically, registrants’ details are collected by their respective registrar, who then pass the data onto AusRegistry. Users may look up the contact details of a domain name registrant which they are interested in. In a local context, this includes all the […]

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What is Cybersquatting?

While we often take comfort in the legal protection afforded to business names, brands or products courtesy of copyrights and trademarks, sometimes such protective measures fail to deter those with underhanded motives. One of the common complaints that arises within the industry concerns cybersquatting. In this context, cybersquatting involves the registration of a domain by someone when they are ineligible to do so. More specifically, it is the “deliberate and abusive” registration of a domain name related to “marketable and trademark” terms. The registrant often uses the domain in bad faith and attempts to profit from this practice by: licensing […]

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What’s the Difference Between a Domain Name Reseller and Registrar?

When considering the domain name marketplace, there are several active participants. In the past, we’ve discussed the role of the au Domain Administration (auDA) in supporting the functional operation of the domain space within Australia. And of course, you’d be familiar with the concept of registrants – otherwise, you probably wouldn’t be reading this! However, two other participants are sometimes the source of confusion, particularly among industry newcomers. These are, domain name resellers and domain name registrars. So then, how does one differentiate between the two? First of all, let us consider domain name resellers. Resellers act as an intermediary […]

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Watch out, that Domain Name Misspelling Could be Costly

While there is a commonly accepted list of domain names that users are prevented from registering, there is also another list to pay attention to. You see, the au Domain Administration published the Prohibition on Misspellings Policy back in 2008. This policy seeks to “preserve the integrity of the .au domain space by discouraging ‘’typosquatting’’, where a person deliberately registers a misspelling of a popular name in order to divert trade or traffic”. While the policy’s intent has been met with favour from large businesses who already own their primary domain name, many smaller businesses and individuals are often left […]

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What to Consider if You Change Your Domain Name

Previously, we’ve discussed the merits associated with multiple domain names, including pointing secondary names to redirect to your primary domain. However, there is also another situation registrants should pay attention to, especially business owners. In this particular instance, we’re referring to registrants who opt to change their domain name and no longer retain the old name. What many business registrants fail to recognise, is that their domain name is often part of the brand they are operating. That is, customers know and associate a particular domain with the company, even if the two are not necessarily aligned. In essence, you […]

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Domain Name Investing – What Should I Consider?

When we started our educational articles several weeks ago, the first topic we covered gave end users an idea around how to choose the right domain name. The other side of the equation concerns domainers, who view their acquisitions as investments. Accordingly, there are different considerations that domainers often give thought to.   Portfolio Management Like with any investment, domainers often consider spreading their risk across a diverse range of holdings. In this particular context, that means several domain names. While some consider a portfolio comprising exclusively of short domains (which are generally valued dearer) as desirable, the reality is, some […]

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Choosing a TLD: Why do I need a .com.au when I’ve already got a .net.au?

In our last article, we discussed what you should consider when looking to choose the right domain name. In doing so, we touched on the importance of having your chosen name on the most appropriate top-level domain (TLD), something we’ll now cover in more detail. It should come as no surprise that few people, if any, visit www.google.net.au or www.facebook.net.au. After all, .net.au domains are often perceived as playing second fiddle to .com.au in Australia. Not only are web users less receptive towards them, people are typically less likely to remember or click on them. Whereas a good .com.au domain exudes authority and credibility […]

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