Domain name already taken? Here is what you can do

Many domain names are already in use. By 2025, the Netherlands will have more than 6 million domain names ending in .nl. This is according to figures from the Foundation for Internet Domain Name Registration in the Netherlands (Stichting Internet Domeinnaamregistratie Nederland, SIDN). So many domain names are already in use. How can you still register your dream domain name? There are 3 ways.

1. Choose another domain extension

Every domain name is unique. It is the name of a website with a domain extension. The domain extension is the final part of a domain name; the letters after the dot. This is also an important part of your email address. At KVK, for example, it is www.kvk.nl and redactie@kvk.nl.

Want to know if your desired .nl domain name is still available? You can check on SIDN.nl. If the domain is already taken, you can register the web address with another domain extension. For example, .com, .info, .nu or .net. The domain extension is the part of a domain name that follows the full stop.

You can read more about international extensions such as .com and .eu in the article Checking and buying domain names in Europe.

2. Buying an existing domain name

Is your desired domain name not free? Then you can sometimes buy an existing domain name, through a trading platform such as Sedo or Domeinwinkel, for instance.

This does not have to be expensive. In 2022, the average price for a .nl domain name at auction was 700 euros.

3. Claiming a domain name

A third way: claim a domain. If someone else uses your trademark or trade name in a domain name, you can claim that domain by starting a dispute resolution or lawsuit.

For a dispute resolution procedure, you can contact SIDN. For that, you pay 1,500 or 2,000 euros. The costs for a lawyer can amount to around 2,000 euros. A lawsuit also costs time and money.

Usually, the owner of the domain name has all the rights. But they could lose it if the use of the domain name conflicts with your company's trade or brand name. For example, if it is confusing to customers which company the website belongs to.

The following concerns are important::

• The .nl domain name you are laying claim to is almost the same as your trade name or brand. You stand a better chance if your name or brand has been around for longer than the domain name.
• The domain name owner has no stake in the domain name, or less of a stake than you do. For example, someone who uses 'Nike' in a domain name even though they do not sell products under that brand name, has no stake in, and therefore no right to, the domain name.
• The domain name owner uses a name very similar to your trade name, and in doing so exploits the success of your well-known brand.

You have a chance of winning a dispute resolution or lawsuit if you meet one or more of these conditions.