Do I legally own a domain name after buying it?
What You Actually Own
When you buy a domain, you're not purchasing property in the traditional sense. You're paying for the exclusive right to use that domain name for a set period, typically one to ten years.
That right is a contract with your registrar, which is accredited by ICANN. You don't own the underlying domain name system entry; you control it as long as you keep the registration active and follow the rules.
This distinction matters if there's a trademark dispute. A trademark owner can file a complaint under ICANN's Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP), and you could lose the domain even if you paid for it.
Your Rights and Limitations
As the registrant, you have the right to use the domain, transfer it to another registrar, or sell it to someone else. You also have the right to renew it before it expires.
However, your rights are not absolute. If you don't pay renewal fees, the domain expires and can be grabbed by someone else. If you provide false contact information, the domain can be suspended.
Also, if the domain infringes on a trademark, a court or arbitration panel can order its transfer. So while you control the domain, you don't have permanent, unassailable ownership.
- You own a registration right, not the domain itself.
- Rights last as long as you keep renewing.
- You can transfer or sell the domain.
- Trademark disputes can override your registration.
- False WHOIS info can lead to suspension.
Common mistakes
- Thinking you own the domain forever: it's a lease that must be renewed.
- Believing your registration protects you from trademark claims: it doesn't.
- Assuming you can ignore renewal deadlines: missing one can lose you the domain.