NEWSFLASH: You do NOT own your domain name.
Technically speaking (and you know how much we lawyers love technicalities!) you are not the “owner.” Think of it more like a “rental” situation.
No one owns the Internet. Ergo (I love that word!), no one can actually sell you a domain name. What you’re “buying” is the registration of the domain name, from a registrar (make sure your registrar is ICANN accredited), which makes you the registrant, which means you’re a “lessee” of sorts.
You still get to keep your rental for eternity (no fear of eviction) but only as long as you keep up with the annual registration fee.
Notice the expiration/renewal date?
Don’t miss that date!
Even though there is probably a grace period, don’t take chances. If it’s a domain name you intend to keep, set it to “auto renew” each year.
Finally, be sure you are the one who bought and paid for the domain name from an accredited registrar. Otherwise someone else is in control of your domain name and that’s a serious concern.
To be sure, do a “WHOIS” search where you’ll be able to see the following information:
- Registrant,
- Administrative
- Technical
- Billing contact
Make sure you see YOUR information listed. If not, it means you’re not in control of your domain name. In that case you have two options:
- Contact the name listed and ask them to make you the “registrant.” Hopefully this will work.
- Before you decide to take legal action (if it’s worth it to you, in particular if you are the holder of a trademark for the name) contact the registrar to see what their policies are regarding such disputes. They may be able to help you, particularly if they are willing to follow the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy regarding dispute arbitration.
Bottom line: protect your domain name; take steps to ensure it stays in your control for as long as you wish to keep it.