Domain Names: In a Nutshell | Protecting a Domain Name | Researching A Domain Name | Registering A Domain Name | Restrictions on Domain Name Use |

Domain Names in a Nutshell A Domain Name is a nickname for a numerical address on the Internet. Registration of a domain name does not give you the right to use a domain name in any way you wish, particularly commercially. There is no separate domain name legislation in Canada. The right to use a domain name is generally determined by trademark law. Although a registered trademark is not conclusive, it does help to protect both your trademark and your domain name.

What Is A Domain Name? A domain name is used to identify a particular place (IP address number) on a particular computer (server) where the files of a web/Internet site (URL) are located. Each site on the Internet has a unique number, very similar to a phone number. This number is called the Internet Protocol (IP) number or address. For example, the IP address for businessnames.ca is 209.227.206.63. This identifies the computer and the specific place on the computer where the site is located. However, all these numbers are very long and difficult to remember. Thus, early on in Internet history, these numbers were given pseudonyms called domain names that were easier to remember and type. These domain names are translated or "mapped" onto the numerical IP address. This is done by domain name servers, individual computers that are spread throughout the Internet.

Questions? E-mail us: info@businessnames.ca