Domain name one-time buyout? Can a domain name be bought out permanently?

In the age of the Internet, domain names are a key asset for businesses and individuals to showcase their brands online. When many people buy domain names, they hope that “one-time buyout, permanent ownership”, but in fact, domain names can not really be bought out permanently. So, what are the rules of domain name ownership? How to hold the domain name as long as possible? This article will answer these questions in detail.

First, the domain name can be bought out permanently?

Answer: no.

Domain names are not like physical goods can be “bought out”, but the use of leasing system. You buy just the right to use the domain name, rather than permanent ownership. Domain name registrations are usually billed annually and must be renewed upon expiration, otherwise they will be recalled and reopened for registration.

Why can't a domain name be bought out permanently?

1. ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) regulations: Global domain name management follows a registration system, not a buyout system. 2.

2. Prevent domain name hoarding: If permanent buyout is allowed, it may lead to a large number of high-quality domain names being monopolized, affecting the market circulation.

3. Demand for technical updates: Internet protocols and the Domain Name System (DNS) may be adjusted in line with technological development, and long-term fixed ownership is not conducive to management.

Second, how to hold domain names for a long time?

Although you cannot buy out a domain name permanently, you can hold a domain name for a long time in the following ways:

1. One-time registration for multiple years (up to 10 years)

- Most domain name registrars allow one-time registration for 1-10 years (e.g. .com/.cn, etc.).

- Advantage: Avoid forgetting to renew the domain name and cause it to be lost.

- Note: Even if you register for 10 years, you still need to renew the domain name after expiration.

2. Enable Auto-Renewal

- Enable Auto-Renewal in the background of domain name registrar (e.g. Aliyun, GoDaddy) to avoid the domain name being robbed because of forgetting to renew. 3.

3. Choose a stable registrar

- Prioritize ICANN-accredited registrars (e.g., Namecheap, Google Domains) to avoid small companies running out of control of domain name management.

4. Pay attention to the domain name redemption period (Redemption Period)

- If you forget to renew your domain name, the domain name will enter the Redemption Period (about 30 days), then you need to pay a high redemption fee (usually $100+) to restore ownership.

- After the redemption period, the domain name will enter the deletion period and may be registered by others.

Which domain names can be registered for the longest period of time?

The maximum registration period for different TLDs is different:

| Domain Name Suffixes | Maximum Registration Period | Remarks|

|-|-||

| .com / .net / .org| 10 years | the most common, suitable for long-term investment |

| .cn (China) | 10 years | Real Name Authentication Required |

| .io / .ai| 10 years | Commonly used by technology companies |

| Some of the country domain names | 1-5 years | such as .de (Germany), .jp (Japan) |

How to prevent the domain name from being robbed?

1. Renew your domain name in advance: Renew your domain name at least 1 month in advance to avoid domain name expiration due to delayed payment.

2. Use domain monitoring services such as Domain Monitor to remind renewal or detect cybersquatting behavior.

3. Register for multiple years: register for 5-10 years at one time to reduce the frequency of renewal.

V. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is there any “permanent domain name”?

- No, there is not. No. Even for short domain names (e.g. NFT.com) purchased at a high price, you still need to renew the domain name on an annual basis.

Q2: Who will register the domain name after expiration?

- After expiration, the domain name will enter the open market and can be grabbed by anyone. Some high quality domain names will be snapped up by Domainers.

Q3: Can I transfer or sell my domain name?

- Yes, you can. Domain name is a digital asset, which can be bought and sold through domain name trading platforms (e.g. Sedo, Aliyun Domain Trading).

VI. Summary

✅ Domain name cannot be bought out permanently, only leased on a yearly basis.

✅ Maximum of 10 years of registration, it is recommended to turn on auto-renewal to avoid loss.

✅ Choose a stable registrar and monitor the expiration time to prevent being snatched.

If you own an important domain name, make sure you have a long-term management plan to avoid brand loss due to negligence!