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Frequently Asked Questions: Revised January 2004
What is a domain name? A unique name that identifies an internet computer site. What is Domain name system? Every computer on the internet has a unique address which consist of complicated string of numbers named as IP address (Internet Protocol address). Domain name system facilitates the friendly use of the internet by allowing the use of familiar string of letters (the domain names) instead of arcane IP numbers. What is a Top Level Domain Name? An internationally recognized domain name given according to the principle of first come first serve. What is a Country Code Top Level Domain Name? Two letter domains, such as tr,. uk, .de and .jp (for example), are called country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) and correspond to a country, territory, or other geographic location. The rules and policies for registering ccTLDs vary significantly and a number of ccTLDs are reserved for use by citizens of the corresponding country. Who is the ccTLD Authority in Turkey? The official entity which is assigned to register top level domain names such as …com.tr, in Turkey is Middle Eastern Technical University (METU). Indeed, it is possible to follow-up your own case through reaching the related site of METU and fill a form provided on the internet address of METU in Ankara whereby foreign companies do not need to be represented by local providers for registering domain names. You can use the www.nic.tr address to reach the application form, both in Turkish and English, and the Top Level Domain Administrator. Where to apply for CCTLD registrations in Turkey? The administration of the country code top level domain (CCTLD) of “com.tr” is handled by the Middle East Technical University (METU / ODTÜ in Turkish). The application for the top level domain name registrations are to be made online through the web site https://www.nic.tr. A nic-handle should be used for any action on the website. What are the domain names allocated by the ccTLD domain name administration?
Who can register ccTLD names? Companies, which are not actively conducting business in our jurisdiction, can register domain name since no local presence is mandatory. Non – citizens of the Republic of Turkey may register a domain name, there is no need for physical existence. How long can a domain name be registered? A domain name can be registered from one to 5 years where upon completion of the protection period it can be renewed from one to 5 years with the payment of the respective renewal fee. What documents are required for CCTLD name registration? After the online application, within 10 days it is required to submit a document that proves the relation between the applicant and the domain name to be registered. Such a document may in form of an extract obtained from the Trade Registry of the country the applicant company is established. A Power of Attorney, in case a representative is instructed should also be submitted for recordal purposes. In cases where the domain name to be registered is not identical / different from the company name, it is necessary that the domain name application is based on a Turkish Trademark application or registration obtained in Turkey or any other country. Thus, in lieu of a company extract, a simple copy of the Trademark Registration Certificate or the trademark application petition shall be submitted to the registration authority. If the contemplated domain name has already been registered what options do we have? Through our watching service it is possible to follow up the domain names, which are suspended or deleted on the Registry. Deleted domain names can be refiled on behalf of other applicants only after two months from the deletion of the respective domain name from the Registry. About domain name disputes In the settlement of disputes there is no arbitration mechanism. Disputes/conflicts of domain names are currently evaluated and settled by the DNS group, which is a counseling group established under METU consisting of 11 members of different institutions, such as internet Higher Council, Ministry of Transport, Turkish Patent Institute, Internet Service Providers, Turkish Bars Association. Under the current practice, domain name applications which are not identical with the company name or are based on trademark applications (which have not yet matured into registration) are published in the website www.nic.tr for opposition purposes for a period of 6 months. Any claim by a third party able to evidence his right on the domain name is considered and the DNS group issues its decision on the opposition filed. It is however, also possible to file an opposition after the registration and 6 months opposition period before METU. Through our watching service it is possible to follow up the domain names that have been published on the objection list for opposition purposes by third parties in order to prevent any possibility of infringement of our clients’ intellectual property rights. Please contact our office for dispute matters. |
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