Owning a domain name has become essential for businesses and individuals seeking to establish their online presence. However, a common question arises: when you buy a domain name, do you become its owner or the holder?

YOU BECOME THE HOLDER OF A DOMAIN NAME

Rather than talking about ownership, it is more appropriate to use the term ‘holder’. When you buy a domain name, you are actually obtaining a license to use it. This license gives you the right to use the domain name for a specific duration. During this period, you can direct the domain name to a website, create custom email addresses, and more.

IF I BUY A DOMAIN NAME, CAN I USE IT FOR LIFE?

No. You become the holder of a domain name for the duration of its lease, usually annual… It’s like buying the use of a license or a patent.

A domain name must be renewed generally every year. If forgotten, after a redemption period, it falls back into the public domain. If you have not – voluntarily or otherwise – renewed it, you will have no recourse to recover it, except to ask the new holder to sell it to you. The loss of a domain name cannot be considered as a theft.

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE HOLDER

As a holder, you have certain rights such as determining the use of the domain name. However, these rights come with responsibilities, including respecting copyright and trademark laws. Indeed, if a third party uses a domain name incorporating all or part of the name of a trademark, the trademark holder may initiate a procedure to request the recovery of the registered domain name.

Understanding the difference between being a holder and an owner of a domain name is essential for effectively managing your online presence. As a holder, you have the right to use the domain name, but with the responsibility to renew it and respect the rules in place.