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.tel FAQs

• Why is .tel different than other Top Level Domains (TLDs)?

  The value of a .tel domain lies with the ability to host personal (or corporate) contact information directly in the DNS, which can then be universally accessible. This stands in contrast to the typical use of the DNS for other TLDs, in which the DNS only provides a mapping between domain names and IP addresses.

• Can I protect my private data?

  The .tel enables you to protect your private data, allowing it to be seen only by people you authorize.

• Can I buy a .tel domain in advance?

  No pre-registration is available. Anyone offering advance registration is not authorized to do so.

• For what term can I buy a .tel domain?

  Typically, registrars will allow you to register domain names for up to 10 years.

• What are the restrictions on a .tel domain?

  The minimum number of characters in a .tel domain is 3 and the maximum number is 63 not including the .tel suffix. Every domain must contain at least one letter from a-z or "A to Z" in standard US ASCII script. No domain can begin or end with a hyphen nor can a domain have a hyphen in the 3rd and 4th position. A .tel domain may not consist purely of digits.

• Can I transfer or sell a .tel domain name?

  You can sell or transfer a .tel domain just as you would with other domain names.

• How do I resolve a dispute regarding a .tel domain name?

  .tel domain names are subject to the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP), which establishes a procedure for resolving many trademark disputes relating to domain names. More information on the (UDRP) is available.

.tel Sunrise FAQs

• What is Sunrise?

  It is period of time when the .tel registry allows only trademark holders to register .tel domains.

• How are appeals handled during sunrise?

  Appeals (by an applicant) and challenges (by any third party) to the decision of the Validation Agent are treated in the Sunrise Policy under the general term "reconsideration".

• Who verifies .tel Sunrise applications?

  A Validation Agent verifies all Sunrise applications. Telnic has chosen "Deloitte" to perform validation.

• Is there a challenge period for Sunrise applications?

  Yes there is a challenge period of 10 calendar days following the date of publication of the validation results in the online database. This will be done through the Validation Agent "Deloitte".

• When does a trademark need to have been registered for it to be valid?

  The application of a trademark needs to be filed before the 30 May 2008 and needs to be registered prior to 3 December 2008.

• If a company has a US State trademark. Is that a valid trademark?

  No, only trademarks with national effect may register during Sunrise.

• Is a Service mark a valid trademark?

  Yes, so long as it has national effect.

• Can registrars accept pre-registration?

  Registrars may accept pre-registrations; however the .tel Registry will not accept any pre-registrations.

• What information needs to accompany a Sunrise application?

  All Sunrise applications must contain the following information: Trademark name, country of registration, date of registration, the registration number and the applicant’s capacity i.e. owner, licensee or assignee.

• What documentation is needed for Sunrise?

  Documentation is only needed if the Validation Agent requests further information. This request will be made to the sponsoring registrar.

• What is the term for registration of a .tel domain during Sunrise?

  Three (3) years is the registration period.

• Are you allowed register different spellings of a trademark in Sunrise?

  No, all Sunrise applications must be identical to all text or word elements contained in the eligible trademark.

• If the trademark contains special characters (such as -, !,§,%,©,ˆ or & ), how should it be registered?

  The character can be eliminated, transcribed or replaced with a hyphen.

• If the trademark contains letters that are not contained in the standard Latin script e.g. “ä” or “é” etc, how should the domain be registered?

  The trademark may be registered without such elements or replaced by conventionally accepted spellings (such as “ae”).

• Can figurative signs and logos be registered during Sunrise?

  Yes, figurative signs and logos can be registered during Sunrise, if the sign exclusively contains a name or if the word element is predominant and can be separated and if the alphanumeric characters are in the same order as the domain that is being applied for in Sunrise and if the general impression of the word is apparent and cannot be misread.

• Are transfers allowed during the Sunrise period?

  No, transfers are not allowed during the Sunrise period.

• How and to whom do I make a payment for a Sunrise reconsideration proceeding?

  Sunrise reconsideration proceedings are conducted by the Validation Agent, Deloitte. Payment will be debited from Registrar's account with the Registry.

• What happens to Sunrise applications when they are approved and about to be registered if my account runs out of money?

  Such names will not proceed to registration until the registry receives sufficient funds from the registrar. No-one else will be able to register the domain names; however we reserve the right to release such names if the registrar does not remit funds in a timely manner.