The domain name registry of the Principality of Andorra (.ad) has just announced drastic changes to the domain names registration procedures.
Adoption of the registry-registrar model
Until then, registration was made on the basis of an Andorran brand or company, and the domain name had to correspond to that name. Registration was also carried out with the registry directly.
From October 22, 2024, the registry will adopt more traditional registration methods, with the ordinary registrar model. Above all, from this date, all eligibility conditions will be lifted and anyone will be able to register a .ad domain name on a “first come, first served” basis.
Between May 22, 2024 and October 16, the registry is in a transition phase :
- Holders of Andorran trademarks can submit applications until October 16. The domains will be liberated immediately after validation.
- Andorran legal entities, holders of foreign registered trademarks and holders of preexisting domains can submit applications from May 22 to September 4, and from September 5 to October 16. Domains will be registered after the end of each application period.
- Landrush : From September 5 to October 16, applications will be made without any prior rights. Domains will be registered after October 16.
Lack of dispute resolution procedure
At present, the Andorran registry has not communicated on the adoption of any alternative dispute resolution procedure relating to domain names.
Although there is reason to believe that the rules will evolve in this direction in the coming months in view of the general opening, it is nevertheless strongly recommended to register domain names in .ad, even if only defensively.
The .ad for advertising
Just like .tv (Tuvalu) or .me (Montenegro), .ad can be used in its generic sense. The national extensions which are used in a generic gens are numerous, we also find:
.re – Reunion Island / Real Estate
.pw – Palau Islands / Professional Web
.mv – Maldives / Metaverse
.ai – Anguilla / Artificial Intelligence
The extension of the Principality of Andorra can therefore be freely used to refer to advertising. We therefore recommend the registration of .ad domain names for all companies, particularly in sectors in direct contact with consumers.
Do not hesitate to contact us for further information.
