What is a domain name ?
A domain name is a mnemonic way to identify an Internet site. The extension of the domain name can also help locate the “geographic region” to which the domain name belongs. Thus, for the .gr domain name space the actual mnemonic term will be “domainname.gr” and we may visit the website using a broswer and typing in the address “http://www.domainname.gr”
How can I register a domain name?
A domain name can be submitted via a Registrar.
I have registered a domain name but I don’t know how to create a website. What should I do?
A domain name is just a word if it has not been connected to a website containing actual content or to some IPs. In order to make this connection, at least 2 Nameservers must be stated for your domain name. The Nameservers are responsible for “guiding” visitors to your website. Nameserver information is provided to you by your chosen domain name hosting (web hosting) provider.
If I register a . GR domain name with ICS FORTH is there a chance that someone else can use the same domain name with the same domain extension?
The Registry of .gr Domain Names is responsible for the registrations of domain names under the .gr top level domain name space and each registration into the .gr database is guaranteed to be unique. Please note that domainname.gr differs from domainname.com which also differs from domainname.de, which may exist and be functional, but a second exact domainname.gr can not exist. Domain names are ceded by the National Telecommunications & Posts Commission and are stated as registered in the .gr database.
What does it mean to REGISTER A DOMAIN NAME?
To REGISTER A DOMAIN NAME under the .gr top level domain name space means that a proper application has been submitted for the desired domain name which in turn is examined by the National Telecommunications & Posts Commission who will then cede the exclusive use of the domain name to the Registrant.
I just submitted an application. When will my domain name be active?
The domain name will be active within a maximum timeframe of 3 hours from the moment in which the domain name has been submitted by the Registrar to the Registry of .gr Domain Names.
The domain name will not become active if it is not in accordance with the registration conditions as set out by the 351/76 decision of the N.T.P.C. Such domain names will only become active when ceded by the N.T.P.C.
What is the status of the domain name if my application is accepted and the requested domain name is in line with the rules & regulations?
With the initial acceptance of the application, the domain name is placed in a holding status (PENDING CREATE) and the domain name will become active within a maximum timeframe of 3 hours, assuming nameserver information has been stated on the domain name application. The Registrant assumes the responsibility of the domain name as soon as it is placed in a PENDING CREATE status. Applications for domain names which have been automatically characterized PENDING REJECT will not become active and the N.T.P.C. shall decided on the final cession (or not) regardless of their characterization.
Does a domain name contract or agreement have to be signed?
By submitting the application, paying the registration fee and submitting the requested documents you agree on the terms & conditions as set out in the 351/76 of 15 4 2005 decision of the N.T.P.C..
The domain name registration will be completed based on the information submitted via the online application of the registry. Any errors on the application or failure to pay the registration fee to the registrar may result in the rejection of the domain name.
Are there any restricted domain names?
There are and you should make sure to find out what they are prior to submitting an application.
All of my company’s products are trademarked and therefore protected and can not be registered as domain names by a third party, correct?
Wrong. All applicants requesting a .gr domain name state that they are knowingly not infringing any third party rights by requesting the domain name. This statement does not protect your rights but could lead to the cancellation of the domain name by the N.T.P.C, the Greek court system or an arbitration system, if the applicant does not have rights towards the domain they requested. Domain names are granted on a First Come First Serve basis.
How many registered domains can one have?
There is no limit on the number of domain names applicants can register under the .gr domain name space. This applies to all companies, freelance professionals and individuals regardless of nationality.
Are domain name ownership transfers possible?
Domain name ownership transfers are possible. Please contact your Registrar in order to receive the proper domain name transfer documents.
Can I register domain names containing Greek characters, such as ίδρυματεχνολογίαςέρευνας.gr ?
Registering domain names containing Greek characters is permitted since 4/7/2005 (07.00 utc). The names registered may contain all Greek characters and alternative punctuations (including perispomeni, dasia, ypogegrammeni, etc). With the submission of the domain name’s punctuated form by the user, the equivalent unpunctuated lower case name is also activated and without any additional costs, which is considered the main form of the registered domain name on which the Registry’s checks take place. In case the submitted application is for an unpunctuated domain name the user does not have the right to a cost free activation of a punctuated domain name.
Automatically Reserved Greek Names? What does that mean?
The registered domain names containing Greek characters also reserve all of their alternative punctuations which only the domain name’s owner has the right to activate whenever he wishes, with the payment of the equivalent cost for each activated domain name. Activation of the reserved names may take place during the period of the temporary activation of a domain name with a “Pending Create” status that has not yet received final approval by the NTCP.
Homograph names? What does that mean? Who has the right to activate them?
Homograph names are those domain names whose variable field is consisted of alpharithmetic characters which VISUALLY match the lower or upper, punctuated or unpunctuated form, and their non variable field is the same. For example, let’s consider the names eett.gr and εεττ.gr whose capital form is visually the same (EETT.gr and ΕΕΤΤ.gr). We should point out to those interested to the fact that audibly similar or visual dissimilar names are not covered by the above definition (for example, maria.gr has no homograph because the character ρ has no visually similar character in the Greek alphabet while one homograph of the domain name μαρια.gr is the latin mapia.gr which in capital case becomes ΜΑΡΙΑ.gr).
The right to activate homograph names is reserved for the domain name owner to which the homographs in question are referring to. For the activation of each of those homograph names the owner has to contact their Registrar, and pay the necessary fee.
