domainownership

Domain ownership refers to the registered holder of a domain name within the global Domain Name System (DNS). The owner is typically the registrant named in the registration record maintained by an accredited registrar and is granted the contractual right to use the domain, manage DNS settings, and renew the registration.

At registration, several contacts may be listed: the registrant (the person or entity with ownership rights), administrative contact, technical contact, and billing contact. The registrant is the key owner, though privacy controls may obscure personal data in WHOIS. Ownership and control depend on access to the registrar account and the authorization to approve transfers or changes.

Ownership is established by registering a domain name through an accredited registrar, which submits a request to the domain's registry. To transfer ownership to another registrar, the registrant typically obtains an authorization code (EPP code) and initiates a transfer; registrars may impose locks or waiting periods to prevent hijacking. ICANN policies and registry rules govern transfers, including temporary locks after certain changes, and mandatory 60-day locks in some situations.

Owners are responsible for renewing on time, keeping contact information current, and complying with registrar terms, local laws, and any applicable trademark rules. Inactivity or nonpayment can result in suspension or deletion. Ownership can be challenged in disputes over cybersquatting or trademark rights, through processes such as the UDRP.

Security measures include registrar account protection, domain locking, and DNSSEC. Privacy services may shield personal details in public records, subject to privacy laws like GDPR.

Beyond personal control, domains are often treated as business assets, transferable in mergers and acquisitions, and subject to chain-of-title considerations in corporate records and IP portfolios.