Domain names

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A domain name is one of the components of the internet’s transport layer, being the internet’s naming and addressing system.

Each computer or device that is connected to the internet is identified by an internet protocol address, commonly known as an IP address, that comprises a long string of numbers. As people find names easier to memorise than long strings of numbers, the domain name system evolved to help people locate resources on the internet.

Registration of domain names

Domain names must be registered. Following registration, the registered name holder can control that domain name.

Domain names are a valuable business asset. Once a person registers a domain name, it prevents another person from registering the same domain name, unless the later applicant has grounds to dispute the registration of the domain name by the original registrant.

For more information on background, registration and dispute resolution, see Practice Note: Domain names—background, registration and dispute resolution.

Each country has a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) with an entity responsible for managing registrations in that ccTLD. For information on the registration and use of domain names at the ccTLD registry

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