Archive for the 'Ireland Domains .IE' Category

New Service for .IE and New Domain Extension .COM.SY

Now any company may register .IE domains through Marcaria.com; you only need to register a business name in Ireland. The cost for registering a business in Ireland is US$ 200 and the process takes approximately 4 weeks. You may also file a Trademark in Ireland; we can help you with the process too.

Register your .ie domain by entering to our Ireland Domain Registration page.

In order to register a .COM.SY domain, owner must be a company (from any country). The client will need to provide a copy of incorporation certificate and a signed Power of Attorney legalized by the Syrian Embassy (we would provide template).

Register your .com.sy domain by entering to our Syria Domain Registration page.

.IE Domain Registrations Grow Strongly

Registrations if .IE domain names are growing strongly, with a growth of 15% (9,398 registrations) in the last quarter to 131,862 registered domain names. However the growth is in an economic climate in Ireland that is not conducive to business growth.

“It is encouraging to see continued growth in .ie domain names, demonstrating that Irish businesses are seeing growth opportunities online despite the more challenging economic environment they face,” said .IE Authoritys chief executive David Curtin.

New registrations increased by 7% to 28,522 for the first nine months of the year with the majority of the growth in registrations coming from sole traders or limited companies (83%). The rest were registered by clubs, societies and charities.

.IE domain name registrations have continued to grow for the last six years, partly due to ongoing reductions in the cost of registration. Since 2003 the cost of registering a .IE domain name has decreased by around 64%. However the rules for registering .IE domain names are quite restrictive to most other ccTLDs in western countries.

Record Number of New .IE Domain Registrations in First Quarter of 2009

The .IE Domain Registry reported that the first quarter of 2009 had the highest level of domain registrations, compared to any other quarter to date.

The latest figures show that a total of 9,781 .ie domains were registered in the first quarter of 2009, a jump of 28% compared to last quarter of 2008. The previous highest number of registrations was recorded in the first quarter of 2008 with 9,092.

Over 80% of the new .ie website addresses were registered by sole traders or limited companies. The remainder were registered by clubs, societies and charities.

The growing number of companies and sole traders moving their business operations online and choosing to do so with a .ie website is one of the main reasons for the rise, in addition to 6 consecutive years of price reductions by the Registry, which has made it more affordable for businesses to do so. The cost of registering a .ie domain has fallen by over 60% since 2003.

Register Requirements and Criteria Ireland

Each request for registration of a new domain name must include the following items:

  • the proposed name for the new domain
  • the full legal name of the applicant
  • the Class of the applicant
  • the Category of domain name
  • the name and contact details of the contact persons for the domain;
  • the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) of a minimum of two distinct nameservers for the new domain (the IP number of a nameserver should also be supplied where the FQDN of the nameserver is within the domain to be delegated).
  • a declaration that the applicant (and, where the request is made on behalf of the applicant by a service provider, also the service provider) accepts the conditions of liability and indemnity.

All applicants applying for a .ie domain name who are not situated in the 32 counties of Ireland, must demonstrate a Real and Substantive Connection with Ireland (with the exception of those applying by means of Community Trademark)

Examples of acceptable Documentation demonstrating substantial trade or commercial activity within Ireland are as follows:

  • Copies of invoices (showing trade to or from Ireland),High quality brochures showing a significant intention to trade in Ireland.
  • a signed letter on headed paper from a bank manager, firm of chartered accountant(s), registered auditor(s), tax consultant(s) (where the tax advisor identification number is displayed), or solicitor(s) confirming the applicants trade with Ireland.

Category 1: Personal Name

Requirements:

  • The applicant must provide documentary evidence of the applicant’s legal name: e.g., a copy of the applicant’s passport or birth certificate.Domain Options:
  • Personal names must consist of the initial letter from each of two or more of the words which comprise the legal personal name of the applicant, in the order in which these words occur in the name, followed by any two digits to be requested by the applicant. As an example, John Citizen could register jc01.ie.

Category 2: Corporate Name

An Incorporated Company can register a domain name to reflect their corporate name. A Company can register multiple different domain names in this category. Only a company can have a corporate name and therefore only a company can register a domain name in this category.

Requirements:

  • A Company applying under this category need only include their company number in the application.
  • If the company is incorporated outside of Ireland, specifically UK or US, the company number must be included in the application. All applicants from any other country must submit a copy of the company’s certificate of incorporation.

Domain Options:

  • An applicant can add words to their registered company name to form a domain name.
  • An applicant can register domain names that have a reasonable connection with their business. In this case the IEDR deems a reasonable connection to be a product or service of the company.
  • An abbreviation of the corporate name may be used instead of the full corporate name.

Category 3: Registered Trade Mark Name

Any applicant with a Registered Trademark is eligible to apply under this category.

Requirements:

  • Irish, UK, US and Community trademarks need only supply their Trademark Number in the application.
  • For any other country Trademark a copy of the Trademark Certificate must be supplied.
  • Where the application is made on the basis of a pending TM application the Registry will require a copy of the TM application form and official filing receipt, along with a letter from the TM holder.
  • Where the applicant is a licensed user of the trademark, the applicant must provide a signed letter on headed paper from the trademark holder authorizing the applicant to register and hold the corresponding .IE domain.

Domain Options:

  • The proposed domain name must correspond closely with the TM, but may include plurals, descriptors, or non descriptive elements such as numbers or letters and may also differ in respect of signs, symbols or punctuation.

Category 4: Registered Business Name

A Sole Trader, Company or Unincorporated Association who hold a registered business name can apply for a domain name under this category.

Requirements:

  • The applicant applying under this category need only include the RBN Number in the application.

Unless:

  • The RBN cannot be confirmed online. If the applicant holds a copy of the registered business name certificate or a copy of all pages of the application form stamped by the Companies Registration Office, these documents can be faxed to the Registry.
  • The RBN has been recently applied for. Applications will be accepted on the condition that the certificate is submitted to us within 8 weeks from the date of initial registration. If the certificate is not received within this period, the domain name will be deleted.
  • The IEDR is aware that applicants within the 6 counties do not have to register business names and in such instances the Registry may accept a VAT number or a signed letter on headed paper from an bank manager, firm of chartered accountant(s), registered auditor(s), tax consultant(s), where the tax advisor identification number is displayed on the letterhead, or solicitor(s) confirming that the company is currently trading, or has serious intention and commitment to trade shortly, under the business name that is specified. The letter must state the name of the company and that they are trading, or intend to trade, under the business name in question.

Domain Options:

  • An applicant can add words to their registered business name to form a domain name.
  • An applicant can register domain names that have a reasonable connection with their business. In this case the IEDR deems a reasonable connection to be a product or service of the registered business.
  • An abbreviation of the registered business name may be used instead of the full business name.

Category 5: State Agency Name

  • A body, person, entity or office established pursuant to Bunreacht na h Eireann, or an Act of Parliament, Secondary Legislation or established by the Northern Ireland Assembly, any other state body, agency or department, including state hospitals, semi state bodies, VEC’s and local authorities is eligible to apply for a domain name which reflects their name. Applicants may apply for the English and Irish version of their name. A state agency may apply for a domain name to reflect the name of a project, special event, or joint venture where at least one of the parties involved is a state agency.

Requirements:

  • No documentation will be required for applicants applying under this category providing that we can verify the applicant is a Statutory Body.

Category 6: Publication Name

A Sole Trader, Company, Unincorporated Association, State Agency or Educational Institution that publishes or writes periodicals, magazines, trade journals, Ezines or books is eligible to apply for a domain name in this category.

Requirements:

  • A faxed copy of the page from the publication where the applicant is stated as the writer or publisher of the publication.
  • If the publication does not clearly show that the applicant is the writer or publisher of the publication then the applicant must provide a signed letter on headed paper from an Irish firm of chartered accountant(s), registered auditor(s), tax consultant(s), where the tax advisor identification number is displayed on the letterhead, or solicitor(s) confirming this.
  • In the case of a Website Publication or Ezine, links to the publication can be entered in the application or printouts of Website/Ezine can be faxed to us.

Category 7: Educational Institution Name

A primary or secondary level school or other recognized educational institution is entitled to register a domain in this category.

Requirements:

  • No documentation will be required for applicants applying under this category if the applicant is recognized by the Department of Education as an Educational Institution.
  • Alternatively, a self issued letter on the Educational Institution’s letterhead will suffice.

Category 8: Politician’s Name

A natural person who is the President of Ireland, a sitting (already elected) or standing (certificate showing that he/she is an official candidate) politician at National (32 counties) or European level, which can be verified by an election officer or as is the case in Northern Ireland, a returning officer, or a person who is officially contesting any of the above offices or seats in the immediate run up to an election is eligible to apply for a domain name in this category. (Any politician representing the 32 counties e.g.: MEP, TD, or Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly).

Any domain holder with a name in this category who ceases to be a sitting politician, or who fails to be elected, must have their domain name de activated after due notice.

Requirements:

  • A signed letter, on official letterhead, from the politician confirming their eligibility to register a domain name in this category.

Domain Options:

  • Politician’s Name may be registered in either one of the following formats: seanmuldoon.ie (personal name without title) or seanmuldoontd.ie or seanmuldoonmep.ie (personal name with politician title)

Category 9: Unincorporated Association Name

An unincorporated association that is not legally obliged to have a registered business name (club or society) is entitled to register a domain name in this category.

Requirements:

  • A self issued letter from the applicant on the association’s letterhead stating that they are an Unincorporated Association and require the domain name to reflect their organization name. Sample Letter: We ‘Association Name’ confirm that we are an unincorporated association and request the domain name .ie to reflect our association name.

Category 10: Personal Trading Name

Sole Traders, such as Authors, Designers, Entertainers, Artists, Photographers, journalists etc, trading in Ireland under their Personal Names are eligible to apply for a domain name in this category.

For clarification purposes this new domain name category is only available to sole traders trading under their own personal trading name.

Requirements:

  • A VAT number.
  • A signed letter on headed paper from an Irish bank manager, firm of chartered accountant(s), registered auditor(s), tax consultant(s), where the tax advisor identification number is displayed on the letterhead, relevant body/association or solicitor(s) confirming that the person (sole trader) is currently trading in Ireland under their own personal name.
  • High quality brochure/promotional material or other demonstration or documentation of significant investment in the use of the personal trading name.Any other supporting documentation that the Registry deems acceptable.

Domain Options:

  • The proposed domain name must consist of the full name of the sole trader in the format of the full first name followed by the full surname. E.g.: Joseph Bloggs may apply for “josephbloggs.ie”.

Category 11: Discretionary Name

Requirements:

  • A signed letter on headed paper from a bank manager, firm of chartered accountant(s), registered auditor(s), tax consultant(s), where the tax advisor identification number is displayed on the letterhead, or relevant professional body/association or solicitor(s) confirming the applicant’s eligibility and claim on the proposed domain name.
  • High quality brochure/promotional material or other demonstration of significant investment in the project, expo, or event may be sufficient.Where the applicant is a natural person: The applicant must provide adequate documentary evidence of a correspondence address within the 32 counties of Ireland (the island of Ireland) and the applicant’s legal name. Acceptable documentation would include a copy of the applicant’s passport, birth certificate or citizenship certificate.
  • Where the applicant is a sole trader: Documentation to show that the applicant is trading in Ireland. A copy of a VAT registration certificate or a signed letter on headed paper from an Irish bank manager, firm of chartered accountant(s), registered auditor(s), tax consultant(s), where the tax advisor identification number is displayed on the letterhead, or solicitor(s) confirming that the person (sole trader) is currently trading in Ireland.Any other supporting documentation that the Registry deems acceptable.

FAQ Ireland

What’s a domain name (or: what does .ie mean) and do I need one for my business?

A domain name is nothing more than the Internet equivalent of a postal address or a telephone number. The same way in which “Ireland” as a postal address and the “353″ phone prefix flag where you’re physically located, the Internet “suffix” of .ie advises the entire e business world that you’re doing business in, or from, Ireland. If you’re doing business in Ireland you’re unlikely to want to use an American phone number or an Armenian postal address, that’s why .ie is the logical “Internet address” for Irish companies conducting e business.  If you accept that ultimately most commerce will be conducted via the Internet and it would take a brave person to believe otherwise then you’ll need an Internet presence and the sooner the better.

What’s the difference between an email address and a website, how can I spot the difference between them and can I survive business wise with only one of them?

An email address is the “Internet address” at which you receive your electronic/digital “post” you’ll immediately recognize it by the “@” bit near the end, such as patmuldoon@iedr.ie. Note that it’s in lower case. A good website on the other hand can be likened to an advertising poster with on line payment facilities.  You’ll recognize a website by the “www.” prefix, such as www.iedr.ie.  With regard to getting by with only an email address or only a website, e business is not much different from “normal” business, would you seriously consider conducting business with only an address and no advertising, or vice versa?

How come anyone can get any .com domain name and yet it seems difficult to get a .ie domain name?

You’ve actually answered your own question. Anyone can get any .com domain name which means somebody has probably already grabbed your .com domain name! Actually it only takes an average of less than 1 day to get your own .ie domain name. A simple verification as to who you are and you will immediately get your own .ie name. Because it’s a .ie “Internet address” it tells your potential customers that you’re doing business in or from Ireland and that you really are who you say you are! This difference between a .ie “Internet address” and a .com “Internet address” has been described as the difference between a recognizable business address and a PO address. Both perform precisely the same function but, from the consumers’ perspective, the clearly recognizable business address in a known geographic location inspires more confidence.

Why is it cheaper to get a .com domain name compared to a .ie domain?

You’re not comparing like with like! .com is a high volume, free for all, universally recognized, automated, budget priced “Internet address” and, like any other TLD, it functions adequately. Like many other ccTLDs, .ie is a managed, upper end of the market, national “Internet address” which, due to necessary human intervention to ensure checks and balances, comes at a higher cost but due to its exclusivity it also conveys commercial credibility and respectability. It also underlines to your prospective customers and clients that you are transacting business in Ireland. At the end of the day it’s a business decision do you want to project your business as a credible, respectable Irish business doing business in Ireland essentially for Irish consumers, or would you be happy to convey your Internet presence as merely a “bargain basement” organization operating out of somewhere undefined on the planet? The world may be a global village electronically but consumers still like to instinctively know where you’re based.

Is it true that if you want to export, it’s a good idea to have a .com address as well as a .ie address?

Regarding overseas markets many Irish companies consciously emphasize their “Irishness” by exclusively marketing under their .ie domain names and this is consistent with international organizations in, say, Ireland which promote their products and services through utilization of their own national ccTLD. This up market positioning is becoming increasingly more popular as the product tends to stand out from the “.com crowd”.  By registering .com addresses many companies seeking to market their products and services overseas neglect “exclusivity” in favor of “blandness” and it should not be forgotten that the latest generation of surfers now instinctively utilizes search engines such as http://www.google.ie/.  Our advice to Irish companies seeking to develop their overseas markets is simply to maximize their marketing opportunities by registering .ie and .com “Internet addresses” unless the product or service is best promoted as having exclusive Irish connotations, such as being environmentally friendly, all aspects or tourism, etc.  But remember “your” .com name has probably already been taken by someone else!