Who Really Owns Your Domain Name?
One of the most frequent problems I have encountered as a web professional concerns the ownership of domain names (www.yourname.com).
In most cases, everyone naturally assumes that they own the domain because someone else such as a web design agency, friend or employee registered it on their behalf. That’s where trouble begins. Technically, the registrar is the owner of the domain. Usually, that’s the person who registered the domain. If the registrar is not you, with contact address, billing info matching up to your credentials you do not own the domain name. Sometimes, people are well intentioned but you risk losing your domain name through forgotten renewals or even a friendship turning sour.
Some web agencies will even mislead you into registering the domain name under their ownership while allowing you the use of the name. A reputable company will transfer the domain to your ownership upon request. Beware of others who may hold your domain name hostage for a large fee if your business dealings take a bad turn. In some cases an agency may go out of business, etc. and your domain disappears along with them.
The bottom line is that legally and morally, you should own and have direct access to manage your domain at any time. How many companies hire a lawyer to register for corporation status but allow the lawyer to own their business name? Same thing. In some cases your domain name is an integral part of your business. Never allow someone else to own it. Manage it for you, yes….own it…NO!
To find out who the true owner of your domain name is go to http://www.networksolutions.com and look for a WHOIS link or button. Enter the domain name and see who the registrar is. If it’s not you, it might be time to start asking questions.
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