What is domain name renewal right? Why should I know about domain name renewal right?

Many non-professionals may have rarely heard of domain name renewal rights. However, those with a basic understanding of domain names will know that domain name renewal rights allow domain name owners to continue using their domain name upon expiration, thereby extending its protection period.

This legal right protects domain name applicants. Without a sound management system, this fundamental internet service system would be disrupted, safeguarding the value and significance of the domain name industry.

To balance the interests of rights holders with the public interest, laws and regulations impose restrictions on certain rights, one of which is the protection period. Domain name rights, like trademark rights, have a protection period. The "Implementation Rules" stipulate that domain name rights are protected for one year, allowing domain name holders to renew their rights without a limit on the number of renewals. In theory, the domain name renewal system is similar to that of registered trademarks. As long as the domain name owner actively and regularly pays the relevant fees to the domain name registry, the domain name rights are protected indefinitely. The domain name protection period is stipulated in Article 52, Paragraph 1 of the Implementing Rules: "The domain name expiration date is the same as the application date each year. The domain name registrar shall remind the domain name holder to renew the domain name before expiration by email or other effective means..."

Domain name renewal also has another period, namely the renewal confirmation period (similar to the grace period in the trademark renewal system), which begins on the second day after the domain name expiration date and ends 30 days later. During the renewal confirmation period, the domain name can still operate normally, unless otherwise agreed between the domain name holder and the domain name registrar.

The regulations regarding the domain name renewal confirmation period are embodied in Article 52, Paragraph 2 of the Implementation Rules: "Upon expiration, a domain name automatically enters a renewal confirmation period. The domain name holder must confirm whether to renew within 30 days of expiration. If the domain name holder indicates in writing that they do not wish to renew, the domain name registrar has the right to cancel the domain name. If the domain name holder does not indicate in writing that they do not wish to renew within 30 days, and does not renew, the domain name registrar has the right to cancel the domain name after 30 days. During the renewal confirmation period, the domain name registrar may not change or suspend domain name resolution due to non-payment, unless otherwise agreed with the domain name holder."

For those new to domain name registration, there are concerns about domain name renewal rights. For example, they may forget to renew their domain name after registering it, or they may have difficulty figuring out when their domain names will expire if they have too many. Any reputable and qualified domain name registrar will, in accordance with ICANN regulations, send reminders via email and text message one month before a domain name's expiration date. Therefore, we recommend that those planning to apply for a domain name prioritize registrars certified by both ICANN and CNNIC.