What are protected domains

What Are Protected Domains? A Beginner’s Guide

Domains are human-readable addresses associated with digital products such as websites, apps, portals, social networks, etc. They’re divided into two categories: second-level domain (SLD) represents your business, and top-level domain (TLD) gives you an online identity. They help you target your audience from over 5.44 billion users

The internet’s evolution has transformed online domains, categorizing them into Web2 domains (traditional domains) and Web3 domains (more dynamic and purposeful). Web2 domains hold value because 4.9 billion users still use the Web2 space. However, the fact that 2 billion Web2 users intend to switch to the Web3 space makes Web3 domains equally valuable.   

Web3 domains are secure and permanent and offer complete digital ownership of your virtual assets. That said, there’s one extra layer of protection to safeguard your intellectual property worldwide – domain protection. 

This post provides insights into Web3 domains and TLDs and helps you understand the importance of protected domains. You’ll also learn how to protect your domain with Freename.

Understanding Domains and TLDs

Domains are divided into two categories: second-level domain (SLD) and top-level domain (TLD). SLD represents the name of the business, its niche, or the primary keyword the business is ranking for, while TLD acts as a parent domain for SLDs. 

Imagine you want to start a consultancy called ABC Consultancy. You choose a domain name, “ABC.consultancy”. 

Here, “ABC” is the second-level domain, and “.consultancy” would be your TLD.

TLDs are words or letters that primarily determine the nature of a business and, on most occasions, indicate its reliability. For example, .com TLD indicates that the domain is for commercial purposes. This TLD possesses the highest trust rating and is considered more reliable for business growth.  

Difference Between Web2 and Web3 Domains and TLDs

We all know that the Web2 space is almost saturated by a limited number of TLD domains, making them expensive digital commodities. Moreover, the centralized environment limits their capabilities. In contrast, the decentralized ecosystem (Web3) offers a plethora of secure, scalable, integrable, and affordable domains, a.k.a. protected domains. 

Some benefits of registering a Web3 TLD include: 

  • A decentralized environment offers complete data control and anonymity.
  • Web3 domains are flexible in nature. You can use them in any way possible. If not, you can simply mint them on a blockchain network of your choice to earn a higher profit in the future.
  • Unlike traditional domains, there are no renewal fees for keeping your domain. You buy and register them with a one-time payment and keep them forever.
  • Web3 TLDs are excellent sources of passive income. For example, you can become a Freename TLD registrar and earn up to 50% with every SLD registration under your TLD.

What are Protected Domains?

In simple words, domains that offer 100% identity protection are called Protected Domains. Traditional domains usually have to leverage domain protection to avoid risks of data theft, identity theft, and domain name duplication.

Some major reasons for protecting domains include:

  • Data Privacy: Brands, including celebrities, multinationals, and SMBs, rely on domain protection to safeguard their personal information (e.g., personal snaps, payments, employee records, logos, and more)
  • Security: Protected domains ensure identity and data security during online transactions, data or funds transfers, etc.  
  • Prevention of Duplication: Brands always have to deal with threats related to duplication. Protected domains are immune to such misuses and frauds.  

Value and Investment Potential of Domains

These are some examples just to give you an idea that if you choose your domain wisely, you can earn a fortune out of it.

Before acquiring a domain or TLD, make sure it offers substantial value in the future. Different factors influence domain value, such as:

Qualitative Factors

  • No fixed price: Since domains are meant for different purposes and represent different types of businesses, their price range varies. So, there’s no ‘one size fits all’. The good thing is that domain prices keep changing.
  • Relevance: The worth of a web domain depends heavily on the business’s identity. The right domain reflects the true nature, professionalism, and potential of the brand it represents, affecting the business’s future.   

Quantifiable Factor

  • Language

If your business’s objective is to target a specific region, a native-language domain name may be helpful; otherwise, it may backfire. The same is true for TLD. This is exactly what Anette Kralisch and Veit Köppen discussed in their research

  • Length

Short and concise domain names, such as Cars.com or 000.eth, are easier to remember. They are worth investing in because they are likely to have higher future value. The ideal domain name should be 6-14 characters.  

  • Niche

An ideal domain should reflect your niche or the purpose for which it was acquired. This is where Web3 domains come in handy. 

You can choose a relevant SLD to represent your niche, such as Foodgeek, Floordesigns, Makemoney, or Playgames

Alternatively, you can go for a relevant TLD, such as .foodgeek, .floordesigns, or .gaming.

  • Market Trends

Factors like age, popularity, and market trends of similar domains are crucial in increasing or decreasing your domain’s value. Again, you can make the most out of your Web3 domains by registering a Freename TLD today and maximizing your profits when new domains get registered with it in the future.

  • Exact Match Domains

Be aware of the exact match domains because they can hurt your reputation. Exact match domains are the ones that have exactly the same identity and logo. Using them may put you in trouble. You can leverage platforms like Freename to explore domain names that are available for use. 

Conversely, someone can use your domain name intentionally or unintentionally. It so happens that a Web3 user might copy your identity or logo on some other network. To avoid that, you should think about trademarking your domain or TLD.

Freename Trademarks

But, what if Web3 identity is misused without your knowledge or intent? What if someone creates a similar domain or uses a logo similar to yours and misleads your audience? This is where you need to trademark your TLD.

Trademark Registration Process

Send your Web3 domain or TLD to the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IGE.ch) for confirmation and registration. The process may take weeks, if not months, which is long enough for an unregistered TLD and logo to be misused. 

So, how can you protect your Web3 domain during this period? 

The best way is to trademark a TLD through Freename.io. The platform starts protecting your domain worldwide from the moment you submit your trademark request. The domain protection duration is six months, sufficient for your TLD to get registered.

After confirmation and registration of your trademark, you can decide about the countries where to protect your Web3 domain. 

Benefits of Having a Registered Trademark

  • A trademark identifies the source (in this case, your domain) of goods and services. 
  • It protects your TLD and logo from being misused.
  • It immunizes your TLD against counterfeiting and fraud. 
  • A registered trademark authorizes you to take legal action against anyone who uses your domain without your permission.

How to Apply for a Freename Trademark

Follow these simple steps: 

Step 1: Download the Freename TLD Trademark Form.

Step 2: Fill out the necessary information, such as: 

  • Your name
  • Company name 
  • TLD name or list of TLDs (if more than one) 
  • Freename-registered email associated with the TLD
  • Number of trademarks
  • Desired payment method

Step 3: After filling out your information, contact Freename’s trademark department for quick assistance. 

Step 4: Freename will review your Trademark request and send it to the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property within 7 days. 

After submitting your TLD trademark request to Freename, you will receive 6-months of protection worldwide. The Swiss trademark service fee begins at $1,500 for a single mark.

Benefits of Protected Domains

Protected domains offer you the peace of mind that no one can create the exact identity or logo to mislead your target audience anywhere around the world. Some benefits include:

Brand Integrity

One of domain owners’ biggest concerns is maintaining their brand integrity across online platforms. Protected domains offer brand integrity through trademarking. They immunize your identity, including your domain name and logo, against impersonation. 

Passive Income Opportunities

When a TLD has a trademark, it becomes credible. Users normally prefer reliable TLDs to register with. Once they register their SLDs with a TLD, the TLD owner gets a commission. With Freename, you can trademark your TLDs and earn up to 50% in royalties on your TLDs.  

Legal Protection

Domain protection or trademark allows domain owners to take legal action against the misuser. If your Web3 TLD trademark is registered in the country where the intentional impersonation took place, you can sue that individual or entity for damages.

Conclusion

Protected domains immunize your digital identity against malpractices, such as misusing your name or logo to commit fraud. Not only that, but they also help you clear your image and reputation among your audience, building trust and loyalty among customers. 

Domains, especially Web3 domains, offer huge investment potential. A tactfully chosen domain name or TLD can return skyrocketing profits, as we have seen in this post. However, to ensure credibility, an extra layer of protection must be added. 

In general, online users and startups prefer to register their domain names under a reliable TLD to protect their digital identities. They will ideally choose a TLD backed by a trademark rather than one without it. 

Register with Freename to find top-quality domains with the best investment potential. You can also leverage Freename’s trademark services to maximize domain protection worldwide. 

In the future, there will be a high demand for domain protection to prevent identity duplication, misuse, or fraud. Moreover, protected domains will continue to attract brands and businesses because of the highest level of credibility. Considering these factors, it’s an ideal opportunity to invest in Web3 domains and secure them with trademarks before their prices shoot.

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How does it work?

Accordingly to the day when you will finalise your purchase, you have the right to receive from 1 to 3 NFT Domains for FREE!

Once you have completed your order, within 48h you will automatically receive on www.freename.io platform, in your personal area “portfolio” the randomly assigned NFT Domain/s.

You can chose on which blockchain you want to mint on and minting fee is covered by Freename!

HOW TO USE COUPONS:

Once you have added your favorite items to the cart, you proceed to “checkout” and add your coupon to the “coupon box”.

Said coupon will instantly do its magic and your due total will drop!

COUPON CODE CAN ONLY BE USED ONCE!
ENJOY YOUR SHOPPING AND GIFTS!

How does it work?

Once you have completed your order, you will automatically receive on www.freename.io platform, in your personal area “portfolio” the randomly assigned NFT Domain value $50 or if you’re lucky a randomly assigned TLD with value $699 (between these: .immersive; .multiverse; .freelancer; .cashback; .hologram)

you can chose on which blockchain you want to mint your NFT Domain/TLD on and minting fee is covered by Freename!

GOOD LUCK!

Fill in the form to Apply

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Why do i Need a Wallet?

Freename domains are blockchain-based assets and would be minted and stored using a wallet. Users are required to mint and manage their domains using a Metamask or Coinbase-configured wallet. It must be a non-custodial wallet, meaning that one must own the private keys to the wallet in order to approve transactions via a signature.

To benefit from Freename Web 3 domains/TLDs, you must have a wallet. This is because Web 3 domains/TLDs are blockchain-based assets. Users can mint and manage their domains using Metamask or Coinbase-configured wallets.

Keep in mind that it must be a non-custodial wallet. You own the private keys to the wallet (in order to approve transactions via a signature).

Are the Domains Associated with ICANN?

ICANN does not manage freename.io domains. Freename.io believes their TLDs/domains must allow customers to operate independently. Freename.io wants to build a utility infrastructure, allowing customers to use their services for valuable and generative purposes. By leveraging blockchain technology, Freename Web 3 domains/TLDs have no centralized authority imposing rules and regulations.

What is a Wallet?

Every blockchain user requires a wallet in order to interact with the network. A wallet is essentially an account on the blockchain where transactions can be sent and received. It is also where one can store blockchain assets such as cryptocurrency or NFTs (non-fungible tokens). There is no personal information associated with a wallet and none is required to create one. A wallet consists of a public key and a private key. The public key can be safely shared with anyone who wishes to send assets to the corresponding wallet, however, the private key should not be shared and is the key to accessing the wallet in the event where access is lost or to create another instance.

A crypto wallet (cryptocurrency wallet) is software or hardware that enables users to store and use cryptocurrency. With cryptocurrencies, there isn’t any actual money to carry around in a wallet. They exist on the blockchain. Similarly to traditional bank transfers, crypto wallets enable users to send and receive cryptocurrencies, NFTs, etc.

A wallet consists of a public key and a private key. To receive assets, you share your public key associated with your wallet. You should NEVER share your private key.

How do i Claim my Earnings from Freename

ou can withdraw revenues generated passively through a cryptocurrency transfer. Connect your cryptocurrency wallet and, once your withdrawal request is confirmed, the desired amount is pulled from Freename’s reserves and conveniently delivered to you!

Claim your earnings by following these steps:

  1. Connect your cryptocurrency wallet to Freename.io
  2. Request a withdrawal
  3. Receive request confirmation
  4. Receive withdrawal directly to your wallet.

Can i Transfer Domains?

Yes. The domain is stored in your cryptocurrency wallet and can be transferred by you after you have minted it. Access your portfolio, select the TLD or Domain you wish to transfer and type the recipient’s address. Afterwards, you must paste the OTP code you received by mail to confirm the transaction. Keep in mind that currently, it is not possible to import the domain that has been transferred, but it will be possible soon!

Yes. Domains are transferable ONLY after a TLD/domain has been minted and stored in a user’s wallet.

To transfer the TLD (or domain), the user must:

  • Access their wallet
  • Select the item they want to transfer
  • Enter the recipient’s address.
  • Confirm the transaction by pasting the OTP received by email

In the future, Freename.io will support importing domains that have been transferred.

What about Trademarks?

Registering a trademark on your Freename Web3 TLD will allow you to protect your web3 TLD and your logo worldwide juridically.

From the moment you deposit a trademark request, your web3 TLD will be protected worldwide for 6 months awaiting for the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IGE.ch) to confirm and register the availability of your TLD.****

A trademark is any symbol, phrase, or word that allows customers to identify a company’s goods or services. Freename is a web3 domain/TLD provider that also provides trademark registration.

A user must reach out to the trademark department to register a trademark. To get your trademark filed for review at the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, a user must provide the following:

  1. Complete a Know your customer (KYC)
  2. A list of TLDs they wish to trademark
  3. Proof of payment

Once these conditions are met, it takes one week for the trademark to be reviewed and logo/TLDs to be provided with six months of worldwide protection.

Is Minting the same as Buying?

Purchasing a TLD (or domain) on Freename and minting it on the blockchain are two distinct steps. When you purchase a TLD (or domain), the transaction is recorded in Freename’s database and not on the blockchain. Minting a TLD (or domain) on the blockchain requires a second step: log into the user’s personal area, select the TLD (or domain) and press “mint TLD” (or domain): done! Don’t worry, once you have purchased a Freename domain, no one can take it away from you!

No. Buying and Minting a TLD/domain are two different things.**

Buying **is the process of recording a transaction on Freename’s database and not on the blockchain.

Minting is the process of pushing a user’s domain from Freename.io data onto the public ledger of a blockchain and into a user’s wallet. Giving the user full control over the TLD/domain.

It is very easy to mint a domain/TLD once you purchase it. Simply:

  • Log into your personal area
  • Select the TLD (or domain)
  • Press “mint TLD” (or domain)

What is Domain Minting?

Minting is the process of publishing a Freename domain (or TLD) on the blockchain via your wallet to gain full custody of the domain. This means that the only person that has control over the domain (or TLD) is the person who controls (has access to) the wallet.

Minting is the process of pushing a user’s domain from Freename.io data onto the public ledger of a blockchain and into a user’s wallet. Giving the user full ownership over the domain.

Minting on Freename.io is as simple as the following steps:

  1. Go to the Freename.io website
  2. Enter the TLD/domain you want to buy in the search bar
  3. Add the TLD/domain to your cart
  4. Go to checkout
  5. Create a Freename.io account
  6. Purchase the TLD/domain with cryptocurrency or a credit card
  7. Go to “portfolio and incomes.”
  8. Click on mint TLD/domain

Which domains are Protected?

Protected domains and TLDs are domains and TLDs that we’ve detected are associated with a brand, organization, or notable person. We believe it is important to increase adoption for the next generation of the internet by helping to onboard brands into the Web3 era. If you are interested in applying for a Protected domain, please contact us.

TLDs/Domains associated with a notable person, brand or organization are considered Protected Domains. Protected domains help onboard brands in Web 3 increasing adoption. Protected domains also protect users from others impersonating/stealing their domains.

Reach out to Freename.io to apply for a protected domain.

Why use Freename?

Freename domains are unique by their very nature: only with Freename you can register domains with unique TLDs for your digital identity while passively earning money!

Freename.io is not only the leading TLD and Domains platform in Web 3, but also lets users generate passive income!

Owning a Freename Web 3 TLD entitles users to receive passive income whenever a domain is bought on their TLD. Users can register and mint TLD/domains of their choice if available.

What is a Domain?

A domain name is a string of letters and/or numbers that points to the IP address of the corresponding website. Generally, it is easier to remember a name than a long string of numbers.

A domain name is an address that people type into a browser bar to find a website. It consists of a Top-Level Domain (TLD), everything that comes after the dot, and the Second-Level Domain (SLD), everything that comes before the dot.

For example, “Freename.io” is the domain name, “Freename” is the SLD and “io” is the TLD.

Which Chains are Supported?

Freename has a multi-chain approach. You can choose on which Blockchain to mint your Web3 Domains and TLDs ranging Among Polygon, Cronos, and Binance.

A user can mint a Freename.io domain/TLD on the following blockchains:

  • Polygon
  • Cronos
  • Binance

Freename plans to expand its multi-chain approach by adding blockchains upon which domains can be minted.

Are there Renewal Fees?

No! Once you’ve bought a Freename Domain or TLD, it’s yours forever, no renewal fees ever!

No. There are no renewal fees on Freename.io. Once a user has paid a one-time payment for a domain/TLD, they own it. Forever.

This is the significant advantage of Web 3 domain/TLD over traditional alternatives.

Ask Away!