Domain name already taken? Here is what you can do

Many domain names are already in use. By June 2026, the Netherlands will have more than 6.1 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).

Have you used SIDN’s domain check to find that your preferred domain name is already taken? If so, there are usually 3 ways you can still go ahead with that name.

1. Choose another domain extension

If your preferred domain name is already taken, you do not have to come up with a new name straight away. You can opt for a different domain extension. This is the last part of a domain name: the letters after the dot.

Instead of domainname.nl, it would then become domainname.net, .com, .eu or .nu. There are even local extensions, such as .amsterdam. You can check on SIDN.nl to see if the domain name is still available with a different domain extension.

Contractual right

A domain name is a contractual right. If you terminate your contract with your provider, you will lose the name. Another person or business can then take it over.

2. Buying an existing domain name

Are you not satisfied with another domain extension? Or is it already taken? Perhaps you could still buy the domain name. Contact the current owner of the domain name and ask if it is for sale.

Contact the owner

Use a WHOIS search to check whether any contact details are available. Are they hidden? If so, check the domain name’s website or get in touch via the organisation that manages the domain name.

3. Claiming a domain name

Are there really no other options left for using your desired domain name? Do you believe you are entitled to the name? If so, you can look into whether a dispute resolution process or legal action is possible.

For a dispute resolution process, you can contact SIDN. This will cost you 1,500 or 2,000 euros. On top of that, there may be additional costs. For example, for legal advice or legal representation. A court case also costs time and money.

Whether you can claim a domain name always depends on the situation. The following circumstances may strengthen your case:

• The current owner’s domain name conflicts with your business’s trade name or brand name.
• The .nl domain name is almost identical to your trade name or brand.
• It is confusing for customers to know which business the website belongs to.
• Your trade name or brand already existed before the domain name was registered.
• The domain name owner has no interest in the domain name, or less interest than you do. For example, if the domain name is ‘shoenexpert.nl’ but the owner does not sell shoes.
• The domain name owner is exploiting the success of your well-known brand. For example, if the domain name closely resembles your trade name.