Q. How can I check whether or not my domain name choice is available?
A. Check out our Domain Name Checker at the bottom of the menu on the right..

Q. Don't many other websites have domain name checkers?
A. Yes, they are quite common. However, it has been known for other sites to give false information, they occasionally say a domain name is available when it isn't. This is particularly true when using American domain name checkers with non-US domains, but can also be true if the domain name reseller doesn't modify the way they check domain names to keep up with changes in the industry. Also, some disreputable companies log all searches on their site, meaning that if you come up with a brilliant idea for a domain name, and it's currently available, someone at the site you searched might see your choice in their log file and beat you to it.

Q. I think I found my ideal choice, but I'm not quite ready to build my website. Should I wait?
A. Recent estimates are that over 50,000 domain names per day are currently being registered. Any delay is dangerous when acquiring your ideal domain name, unless of course your company name is "J.E.B. Oberleutnen von Gentschner GMBH" in which case I doubt whether someone else would register that name (but you never know!)

Q. Once I register a domain name, is it mine for life ?
A. The normal period for domain name registration is 2 years. You may renew the domain name at this time by paying a renewal fee, or you may choose to let it lapse. Some types of domain names can be registered for periods between 1 and 10 years, please ask for details.

All domain name registrations are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable Registrar (eg Nominet UK for domain names ending in ".uk")

Q. I've just noticed that microsoft.com has not been taken, can I register this?
A. Actually, in this example, microsoft.com is already registered to Microsoft, Inc of Washington, USA, but if it were available, I would advise against registering this domain name because it is a registered trademark of the American software company. If you register a domain name which is someone else's trademark, they will probably be able to force you to give up the domain name, even if that company is from another country. You may also be subject to litigation for "passing off", depending on the nature of your business. It is a good idea to avoid using any word or phrase which is someone else's trademark. At the very least, it may constitute trademark infringement, which is illegal in most world jurisdictions.

Q. What proof will there be that I now own my new domain name?
A. In a few cases, you will be issued with a domain name certificate, but usually, the only proof is that your name (and sometimes other information) will appear on the global electronic 'WHOIS' service. For ".com" domain names, this will show your full postal address, telephone and email address. If you do not wish this information to be revealed in this way, we can put our office address, or other details instead.

Q. The domain name I want is already owned by someone else. Can I buy it from them?
A. If there's an active website on that domain, it's unlikely that the company would want to sell it to you, unless of course you're offering several hundred thousand dollars. If someone has registered the domain name for the express purpose of selling it, you may want to contact them, but carefully, as revealing too much about why you want it or how badly you want it will affect the price. But you should be aware that domain names in these circumstances change hands for a minimum of around $5000 US. Also, the procedures for transferring ownership of domains, particularly when the owner is overseas, are long, difficult and risky. Don't take this option unless you've ruled out all other alternatives.

Q. What rights and jurisdictions does Room101 exercise over my domain name if I register it with you?
A. Room101 invariably lists itself as the Administration contact (and other contacts, depending on the domain name type). These functions are delegated by the domain name owner (ie you), and can be re-assigned at your instruction at any later time, provided that payment by you to Room101 for the domain name has been made. We also provide DNS services (don't worry if you don't know what this is).

Q. I registered the domain name under my old company which is now defunct. How can I change the listed owner of the domain to my new company?
A. Changing the owner (except for minor spelling mistakes) is a long, drawn out process. We can offer some assistance with this, but care should be exercised when choosing which company or individual's name to put down as the registrant.