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Domain Name: Tips on Choosing a Name for Your Website

What is a Domain Name?
What do the Different Extensions Mean?
Domain Name Legal Problems
Additional Domain Name Registration Resources

Disclaimer: This material is meant for informational purposes only and not to be used as legal advice.  Please consult an attorney for legal advice related to your particular situation.

What is a Domain Name?
This is the name used to identify websites (or other locations) on the Internet. Domain names end with one of the following: ".com", ".org", ".net", etc. Tips for choosing a domain name:
  • Make it unique, catchy, and easy-to-remember
  • Keep it as short as possible, but still meaningful
  • Avoid the use of hyphens (-) if possible
  • Think of a couple domain names in case your first choice is already taken
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What Do the Different Extensions Mean?
There are many extensions, depending on what type of website you have and where you live, but this article will just focus on the most popular for U.S. businesses and organizations:
  • .com
    This is the most popular extension for for-profit businesses. If possible, this should be the one you choose. The .com extension enhances your professional appearance by making more of an impact than other for-profit domain name extensions.

  • .net, .us, .info, .biz
    Although these are acceptable extensions for websites, they are not as popular as the traditional .com versions. Although these extensions are becoming more common, some experts argue that these extensions are less professional. If the .com version of your preferred domain name is available, by all means, take it.

  • .org
    Traditionally this has been reserved for non-profit organizations. While it’s technically possible to register any business as a .org, it is misleading, and building the viewer’s trust is one of the most important aspects of successful website ownership. So, unless you're a non-profit organization, please do not use this extension.

  • .edu
    Reserved only for educational organizations (schools, universities, etc.).

  • .gov
    Reserved only for government sites.
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Domain Names Legal Problems

*Too Similar to an Existing Domain Name or Trademark*
For example, in the case People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Inc. v. Michael T. Doughney, Mr. Doughney registered the domain name “PETA.org” and created a website called "People Eating Tasty Animals" to poke fun at the animal rights organization called PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). Even though the domain name was available, Mr. Doughney was sued and forced to give up the "PETA.org" domain name.

How to Avoid This Problem:
Make sure the domain name you choose is not associated with or very similar to another company – just because it’s available doesn’t mean you should use it. For example:

  • Am-a-zon.com would not be a wise name for a book seller
  • H-O-N-D-A.com is a risky choice for a car dealer
  • Dell-NYC.com is bad idea for computer shop

*Don’t Let Your Domain Name Expire*
Not only will your website be shut down, but you risk losing the domain name, too. There are people just waiting to snatch up expired domain names. This is one bill you can’t afford to pay late.

How to Avoid This Problem:

  • Know your domain name expiration date
  • Pay your bill ahead of time
  • Make sure your domain name registrar has your current contact information so that they can notify you of expiration dates and other issues concerning your domain name.
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Additional Domain Name Registration Resources
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