Domain name Policy for .no

NB! This is the domain name policy as it will look after the proposed change the 1. October 2003.

Domain Name policy for .no

1. Purpose and legal status
2. Applicability
3. General requirements for the domain name - what can one apply for?
4. Additional requirements for the geographical name tree and generic domains
5. Requirements for the applicant - who can apply?
6. Requirements for the name server
7. Requirements for the application
8. General rules for the administrative procedures
9. Notification of change
10. Transfer, suspension or deletion
11. Compulsory deletion of domain names
12. Fees
13. Applicant's rights to registered domain names
14. Applicant's responsibilities and duties
15. Use of registered information
16. Complaints
17. Effective date of the domain name policy and changes in the policy
18. Appendixes and references

1. Purpose and legal status

1.1 The purpose of these regulations is to ensure that the administration and allocation of domain names under .no takes place in the public's best interest and follows the guidelines provided by Norwegian authorities.

1.2 The regulations are based on RFC 1591 and have been specified in accordance with FOR 2003-08-01 no. 990. The regulations are specified and enforced by Norid (the Norwegian Internet Domain name registry). Norid's operations do not form part of the government administration, and Norway's Public Administration Act (forvaltningsloven) is not applicable to these regulations. Norid's stated objective is to conduct its activities in an understanding with Norwegian authorities and international organizations that work with issues related to domain names.

1.3 IANA has delegated the technical authority to manage the top-level domains .no, .sj and .bv to Norid by agreement. Norid has undertaken to manage the top-level domains in the interests of the Internet community and in accordance with these regulations.

2. Applicability

The regulations apply to the geographical top-level domain .no.

3. General requirements for the domain name - what can one apply for?

3.1 A domain name must consist of at least 2 and at most 63 characters.

3.2 The characters permitted in the domain name are:

• lower-case letters from a-z (not Norwegian characters)
• digits (0-9)
• hyphens

3.3 The domain name must include at least one letter or hyphen. The first and the last character in the domain name must be a letter or a digit.

3.4 The domain name must not be identical to a registered domain name. See Norid's Whois database for an overview of registered domain names.

3.5 Certain domain names are reserved or prohibited and may not be registered. See the list of domain names that cannot be registered (Appendix A).

3.6 The requirements according to this provision are in line with the international standards in RFC 1034, RFC 1035, RFC 1123 and RFC 1912.

4. Additional requirements for the geographical name tree and generic domains

4.1 Norid manages subdomains for municipalities, counties and all towns and villages with more than 5000 inhabitants. Within the geographical name tree, names are registered depending on where applicants themselves feel that they belong. In general, the position in the name tree should reflect the geographical location. Applicants are therefore requested not to register domain names for geographical areas with which they do not have any association. See the list of domains in the geographical name tree, as well as the additional rules for registration of the reserved subdomain www under the geographical names (Appendix B).

4.2 Generic domains are used to gather organizations which have particular characteristics in common. For these domains, additional rules apply. See the list of generic domains in the table below, as well as the additional rules for generic domains (Appendix C).

4.3 Individual generic domains have been established under the management of organizations other than Norid. See the separate list of these (Appendix D).

5. Requirements for the applicant - who can apply?

5.1 The applicant must be an organization registered in Norway's Central Coordinating Register for Legal Entities (Enhetsregisteret). See the list showing the forms of organization which may apply (Appendix E). The organization must have a Norwegian postal address.

5.2 At any time, each organization may have up to 15 domain names, directly under .no. An organization may also have up to 5 domain names under each geographical domain to which the organization belongs, as well as 5 domain names under each generic domain to which the organization belongs.

5.3 Individuals may not register domain names under any of the domains that Norid manages. Individuals can however register domain names under priv.no.

6. Requirements for the name server

6.1 A condition for registration is that at least two name servers must be specified. All specified name servers must be correctly set up for the domain applied for, and must function at the time that the application comes to Norid. Domains that handle mail only are not registered.

6.2 The name servers for the domain must be identified by the domain name and the corresponding IP address. There are also certain technical requirements. See Appendix F for technical requirements for name servers.

6.3 The name servers may be run by someone other than the applicant.

7. Requirements for the application

7.1 The application must be submitted by a registrar who has a contract with Norid. See the list of registrars. Also refer to the information on the registrar scheme.

7.2 Norid's forms must be used. See the list of Norid's forms and guidelines for these.

7.3 A separate application must be submitted for each domain name. An organization that satisfies the registration requirements under several domains may apply for registration in one or more of these. The application must clearly state the domain to which it applies. A declaration form (Appendix G) must be signed before the application is submitted.

7.4 The form must be completed and submitted according to Norid's guidelines. The registrar should assist the applicant with this.

8. General rules for the procedures

8.1 Norid's procedures must follow basic principles of independence and equitable treatment. Parts of the procedures are automatic. See the description of the Procedures.

8.2 If the application is approved, the registrar is automatically notified of this by e-mail. The registrar must forward the message to the applicant within 14 calendar days.

8.3 Any rejection by Norid of an application for a domain name must always state the grounds for the decision. Norid's decision is communicated by e-mail to the registrar who forwarded the application. The registrar must forward the message to the applicant within 14 calendar days.

8.4 Norid can change its decision on its own initiative, but will normally not change it to the disadvantage of the applicant/owner.

9. Notification of change

9.1 Norid must be notified of all changes in registered information (notice of change). This applies to changes in both technical and contact information.

9.2 Any substitution or modification of the domain name is not regarded as a change, but as a new registration. This means that a normal application for the new domain name must be submitted.

9.3 Norid sends an e-mail message confirming that the change has been made to the party that submitted the notice of change, the ISPs concerned and the domain's legal contact.

9.4 Section 7 also applies to notices of change.

10. Transfer, suspension or deletion

10.1 Any application for transfer must be accompanied by the written approval of the owner. The organization designated by the owner for a transfer of the domain name must satisfy the applicant requirements for a new application. A domain name may however be transferred without the written approval of the owner if there is a final judgement regarding the transfer of the domain to another organization and this organization satisfies the domain name policy requirements for the transfer, including a signed declaration form.

10.2 The owner may require a temporary suspension of the domain name (hold). This does not mean that the registration is changed or lost. While suspended, the name will not function, but nobody else will be able to register it. Suspension may be requested for up to 6 months. At any time, the owner may request that the suspension be lifted. Suspension may not be requested again within 2 years of being lifted. In the event of a legal conflict where the owner's right to the name and its use is challenged, the holder may request suspension regardless of any previous suspensions and until final judgement in the matter. Suspension has no effect on the obligation to pay the ordinary fees.

10.3 The owner may request deletion of a domain name. Any application for deletion must be accompanied by the written approval of the owner. Deletion does not entail any right to a refund of the fees paid.

10.4 Norid will confirm any transfer, suspension or deletion by e-mail to the registrar and the domain's legal contact.

10.5 Section 7 is applicable.

11. Compulsory deletion of domain names

11.1 The following circumstances may result in deletion of the registration of a domain name and making the domain name available to others:

1. A claim for deletion in accordance with a final judgement regarding deletion of the domain name. Notice according to 11.2 is not required.

2. The registration was based on incorrect information provided by or on behalf of the applicant. Lack of a signed declaration form is regarded as incorrect information. The owner of the domain name shall be given an opportunity to respond before deletion takes place.

3. The owner of the domain name is no longer registered in Norway's Central Coordinating Register for Legal Entities, or has ceased to exist.

4. Insufficient payment of registration fees or annual fees after the deadline specified in the late payment notice has elapsed.

5. The domain is not technically operative. This means that the technical requirements in Appendix F (http://www.norid.no/vedlegg-f.en.html) have not been fulfilled.

6. The designated contact for the owner of the domain name cannot be reached.

7. Any situation that involves non-fulfilment of the applicant's responsibility or duties in accordance with the domain name policy or the declaration form.

11.2 Unless otherwise stated, notice will be sent by e-mail to the owner of the domain name at least 60 days before a reversal or deletion is implemented.

12. Fees

12.1 Registration of a domain name entails a one-time registration fee. In addition, there is an annual fee as long as the registration is maintained. See Price Information.

12.2 Insufficient payment of fees will result in the deletion of the domain name.

12.3 Norid reserves the right to change the fees. Changes will be announced on Norid's home pages.

13. Applicant's rights to registered domain names

13.1 Registration of a domain name precludes others from registering an identical domain name for as long as the registration is maintained.

13.2 Registration of a domain name does not provide greater or other rights to the name than the applicant had previously. Registration does not entail any restriction on rights that others may have to use the name.

13.3 Registered domain names are associated with the organization that registered the domain, not with any individuals in this organization. The domain name is also independent of the registrar or other service provider, and the owner of a domain name may freely change registrar or other service provider without changing the domain name at the same time.

13.4 A domain name may be freely transferred, provided that the organization to which it is transferred satisfies the requirements of the domain name policy.

14. Applicant's responsibilities and duties

14.1 Before submitting an application, applicants must familiarize themselves with the domain name policy and ensure that registration of the domain name does not violate Norwegian law or the rights of third parties, and does not create an unwarranted impression of being associated with public-sector administration or the exercise of public powers. Norid does not undertake any checking of this. The applicant bears the sole responsibility, including criminal liability and liability for damages, for consequences of the registration and use of the domain name.

14.2 The applicant is obliged to comply with the domain name policy in force at any time. The domain name policy is available at http://www.norid.no/navnepolitikk.html

14.3 The applicant must provide correct information, both at the time of application and for as long as the registration is maintained.

14.4 The applicant must keep the registered information (both contact and technical information) up to date at all times.

14.5 The applicant must reply to queries from Norid regarding the continued accuracy of the registered information. The applicant must then document the information provided.

14.6 Before submitting an application, the applicant must sign a declaration form (Appendix G) certifying that, to the best of his or her knowledge, registration or use of the name does not violate any third party's registered or unregistered rights to the name, and does not violate Norwegian law, in that, for example, the name is considered an illegal profanity or considered discriminatory, defamatory, pornographic or otherwise illegal, and does not create an unwarranted impression of being associated with public-sector administration or the exercise of public powers. In the declaration form, the applicant agrees that the registry may withdraw an assigned domain name when it is obvious that the assignment is in conflict with conditions that have been mentioned or with the domain name policy in any other way. The declaration form is submitted to the registrar, who is obliged to keep it on file.

14.7 If a complaint is laid against the applicant's registration in accordance with the regulations and procedures that the domain name policy stipulates for complaints, the applicant agrees to participate in the complaint process, as well as to be bound by the decision of the domain complaints board.

15. Use of registered information

15.1 Upon registration, the applicant agrees to publication of the domain, contact information and date of registration on the Internet, for instance through Norid's whois database. Access may also be provided through other Internet technologies.

15.2 Norid will not otherwise sell, transfer or in any other way make use of the information for commercial purposes, including direct marketing and directory services.

15.3 Norid is not responsible for any misuse of information made public according to this provision.

16. Complaint

16.1 Complaint type A: For domain names registered after 1 October 2003, the holder of rights to names may complain on the basis that the registration or use of the domain name entails an infringement of their rights. Public-sector bodies may complain that the registration creates an unwarranted impression that it is associated with public-sector administration or the exercise of public powers. The respondent in complaints of this type is the owner of the domain name in connection with which the complaint is made. The time limit for complaints is 3 years from the registration of the domain name. See Appendix H for details and for the complaint procedure.

16.2 Complaint type B: A domain-name applicant or owner may appeal against decisions made by Norid in relation to the domain name policy. No appeal may be lodged against decisions made by Norid as the secretariat in complaint cases. The only permissible grounds for appeal are that the decision is in conflict with the regulations in the domain name policy. The respondent in appeals of this type is Norid. The time limit for appeals is 30 calendar days from the date on which notification of the decision was received by the applicant or owner. The decision is regarded as received by the applicant/owner at the latest 14 days after the decision has been sent from Norid to the registrar. See Appendix I for details and for the appeal procedure. Norid can reverse or change the decision on its own initiative if the appeal is found to be justified.

16.3 Complaint type C: For domain names registered after 1 October 2003, Norid may complain that a domain name has been registered in conflict with the declaration form. The Norwegian Post and Telecommunications Authority may complain that a domain name has been registered in conflict with the applicable regulations. The respondent in complaints of this type is the owner of the domain name in connection with which the complaint is made. The time limit for complaints is 3 years from the registration of the domain name. See Appendix J for details and for the complaint procedure.

16.2 Complaint type B: A domain-name applicant or owner may appeal against decisions made by Norid in relation to the domain name policy. No appeal may be lodged against decisions made by Norid as the secretariat in complaint cases. The only permissible grounds for appeal are that the decision is in conflict with the regulations in the domain name policy. The respondent in appeals of this type is Norid. The time limit for appeals is 30 calendar days from the date on which notification of the decision was received by the applicant or owner. The decision is regarded as received by the applicant/owner at the latest 14 days after the decision has been sent from Norid to the registrar. See Appendix I for details and for the appeal procedure. Norid can reverse or change the decision on its own initiative if the appeal is found to be justified.

16.3 Complaint type C: For domain names registered after 1 October 2003, Norid may complain that a domain name has been registered in conflict with the declaration form. The Norwegian Post and Telecommunications Authority may complain that a domain name has been registered in conflict with the applicable regulations. The respondent in complaints of this type is the owner of the domain name in connection with which the complaint is made. The time limit for complaints is 3 years from the registration of the domain name. See Appendix J for details and for the complaint procedure.

16.4 For all complaints, the time limit for submitting complaints is cancelled when Norid receives a valid complaint in accordance with the relevant complaint procedures. Norid acts as the secretariat, receiving complaints and forwarding replies between the parties. The complaints are heard and resolved by the independent domain complaints board. Norid is obliged to implement the decisions of the domain complaints board.

16.5 The domain complaints board may refuse a case if it finds that the case is so complex or doubtful that it is not suitable for consideration and decision by the domain complaints board. The board may also refuse the case if the prerequisites for consideration of the complaint do not exist.

17. Effective date and changes of the domain name policy

17.1 This domain name policy is effective from February 19, 2001. The prior domain name policy is repealed with effect from the same date.

17.2 Significant changes to the domain name policy will be announced on Norid's home pages and included in the domain name policy in effect. The last change was made on 1 October 2003.

18. Appendixes and references

This section provides an overview of the documents referred to in the domain name policy. The addresses of the references may be updated without further notice.

Appendixes

References to other Norid documents

References to RFCs