Domain name Policy for .no

This document has been translated from the norwegian version at http://www.norid.no/navnepolitikk.html. The Norwegian version is the master copy, and has precedence over the English translation if a conflict between the two should arise.

1. Purpose and legal status
2. Scope
3. General requirements for the domain name - what can one apply for?
4. Additional requirements for the geographical second-level domains and category second-level domains
5. Requirements for the applicant - who can apply?
6. Requirements for the name server
7. Requirements for the application
8. General rules for processing of applications
9. Notice of change
10. Change of registrar
11. Transfer, suspension or deletion
12. Compulsory deletion of domain names
13. Fees
14. Applicant's rights to registered domain names
15. Applicant's responsibilities and duties
16. Use of registered information
17. Complaints
18. Entry into force and changes to the domain name policy
19. Appendixes and references
    1. Reserved names
    2. Geographical names
    3. Norid's category second-level domains
    4. Other category second-level domains
    5. Forms of organization
    6. Technical requirements
    7. Applicant declaration form
    8. Complaint about registration
    9. Complaint about Norid's decision
    10. Complaint about violation of the policy
    11. Appendix K: Fees and billing routines

1. Purpose and legal status

1.1 The purpose of this domain name policy is to ensure that the administration and allocation of domain names within .no takes place in the public's best interest and in line with the guidelines provided by Norwegian authorities.

1.2 The domain name policy is based on RFC 1591 and has been drawn up in accordance with FOR 2003-08-01 No. 990, the Norwegian administrative regulation on domain names under Norwegian country code top-level domains [Forskrift om domenenavn under norske landkodetoppdomener (domeneforskriften)]. The policy has been drawn up and is maintained by Norid (the Norwegian Registration service for Internet Domain Names). Norid's operations do not form part of the government administration, and Norway's Public Administration Act [forvaltningsloven] is not applicable to this policy. Norid's stated objective is to conduct its activities in an understanding with Norwegian authorities and international organizations that work with issues related to domain names.

1.3 IANA has delegated the technical authority to manage the top-level domains .no, .sj and .bv to Norid by agreement. Norid has undertaken to manage the top-level domains in the interests of the Internet community and in accordance with this policy.

1.4 The registration of a domain name gives a right of use only, not an ownership. The right of use is maintained for as long as the domain is registered.

1.5 Norwegian law applies to all registrations within .no. Any disagreement associated with this agreement shall be resolved in accordance with Norwegian law. The parties agree upon Trondheim District Court as the legal venue for submission of disputes.

2. Scope

The domain name policy applies to the geographical top-level domain .no and all category second-level domains and geographical second-level domains administered by Norid.

3. General requirements for the domain name - what can one apply for?

3.1 A domain name must consist of at least 2 and at most 63 characters.

3.2 The characters permitted in the domain name are: a-z, digits (0-9), hyphens, and national characters specified in the table below.

3.3 The first and the last character of the domain name must be a letter or a digit.

3.4 The domain name must not be identical to a registered domain name. See Norid's Whois database for an overview of registered domain names.

3.5 Certain domain names are reserved or prohibited and may not be registered. See the list of domain names that cannot be registered (Appendix A).

3.6 The requirements according to this provision are in line with the international standards in RFC , RFC 1035, RFC 1123, RFC 3490, RFC 3491 and RFC 3492.

4. Additional requirements for the geographical second-level domains and category second-level domains

4.1 Norid manages subdomains for municipalities, counties and all towns and villages with more than 5000 inhabitants. Within the geographical second-level domains, names are registered depending on where applicants themselves feel that they belong. In general, the position in the name space should reflect the geographical location. Applicants are therefore requested not to register domain names for geographical areas where they do not have any local presence. See the list of domains in the geographical second-level domains, as well as the additional rules for registration of the reserved subdomain www under the geographical names (Appendix B).

4.2 Category second-level domains are used to gather groups of domain name holders which have particular characteristics in common. For these domains, additional rules apply. See the list of category second-level domains in the table below, as well as the additional rules for category second-level domains (Appendix C).

4.3 Certain category second-level domains have been established under the management of organizations other than Norid. These are listed in Appendix D.

5. Requirements for the applicant - who can apply?

Organizations
5.1 The applicant must be an organization registered in Norway's Central Coordinating Register for Legal Entities [Enhetsregisteret]. See the list showing the forms of organization which may apply (Appendix E). The organization must run genuine operations and/or have activities and substance according to information specified in the Central Coordinating Register for Legal Entities, and must provide evidence that it genuinely exists if Norid demands such evidence. The organization must have a Norwegian postal address.

5.2 Each organization may at any time have up to 100 domain names directly within .no. An organization may also have up to 5 domain names under each geographical domain to which the organization belongs, as well as 5 domain names under each second-level domain to which the organization belongs.

Private individuals
5.3 Private individuals can only register domain names within the priv.no category domain. In order to register domains within priv.no, the individual must be 18 years or older, registered in the National Registry (Folkeregisteret) with a Norwegian national identity number (f�dselsnummer) and be resident in Norway. The private individual must have a Norwegian post address.

5.4 Each private individual can have up to 5 domain names within priv.no at any given time.

6. Requirements for the name server

6.1 A condition for registration is that at least two name servers must be specified. All specified name servers must be set up correctly for the domain that is being applied for, and must be operative when the application is received by Norid. Only domains that are fully delegated are registered.

6.2 The name servers for the domain must be identified by the domain name and the corresponding IP address. There are also certain technical requirements. See Appendix F for technical requirements for name servers.

6.3 The name servers may be run by someone other than the applicant.

7. Requirements for the application

7.1 The application must be submitted by a registrar who has a contract with Norid. See the list of registrars. Also refer to the information on the registrar scheme.

7.2 Norid's forms must be used. See the list of Norid's forms and guidelines for these.

7.3 A separate application must be submitted for each domain name. An organization that satisfies the registration requirements for several domains may apply for registration within one or more of these. The application must clearly state the domain to which it applies. A declaration form (Appendix G) must be signed before the application is submitted.

7.4 The form must be completed and submitted according to Norid's guidelines. The registrar must assist the applicant with this.

8. General rules for processing of applications

8.1 Norid's procedures must follow basic principles of independence and equitable treatment. Parts of the procedures are automatic. See the description of the Procedures.

8.2 If the application is approved, the registrar is automatically notified of this by email. The registrar must forward the message to the applicant within 14 calendar days.

8.3 If Norid rejects a correctly filled-in application for registering a domain name, or an update, they must inform the registrar of this via an electronic message. The rejection must be explained. The registrar must inform the applicant about the rejection and the reason within 14 calendar days, as well as inform the applicant of the right to lodge complaints.

8.4 When Norid sends a confirmation directly to the domain name holder, the email is sent to the holder's email address if the holder is a private individual, and to the legal contact person's email address if the holder is an organization.

8.5 Norid can change its decision on its own initiative, but will normally not change it to the disadvantage of the applicant/domain name holder.

9. Notice of change

9.1 Norid must be notified of all changes in registered information (notice of change). This applies to changes in both technical information and contact information.

9.2 Any substitution or modification of the domain name is not regarded as a change, but as a new registration. This means that a normal application for the new domain name must be submitted.

9.3 Norid sends a confirmation notice that the change has been carried out to the registrar. Norid also sends an email confirmation to the holder in the case of a change of legal contact person, or if the holder's or legal contact person's email addresses have been updated.

9.4 Clause 7 also applies to notices of change.

10. Change of registrar

10.1 The domain name is independent of the registrar or other service providers, and the domain name holder may freely change registrar or service provider without changing domain name at the same time. The holder may choose to ask the registrar to link an authentication code on the domain. This code must then be stated if the registrar is to be changed.

10.2 If the domain name holder wants to change registrar, the present registrar is obliged to give the holder the authentication code within 5 work days.

10.3 Norid will send a confirmation that the change has been carried out to both the registrars (the former registrar and the new registrar), and also confirm by email to the domain name holder.

10.4 If a registrar gives up the responsibility for a domain, it will be moved to an "empty" registrar. Norid will inform the domain name holder by email, and the authentication code will be deleted. Identical procedure will be followed for all domains attached to a registrar if the status of being a Norid registrar ceases to exist.

10.5 Clause 7 applies correspondingly.

11. Transfer, suspension or deletion

11.1 Any application for change of holder must be approved by the domain name holder. A transfer is to be regarded as a deletion followed by a new registration. The organization designated by the domain name holder to take over the domain name must satisfy all the requirements in effect for applicants for a new registration. The transfer date is regarded as the registration date for the domain, and thus as the starting point for calculating the time limit for complaints.

11.2 The domain name holder may require a temporary suspension of the domain name (hold). This does not mean that the registration is changed or lost. While suspended, the name will not function, but it will also be impossible for anyone else to register it. Suspension may be requested for up to 6 months. At any time, the domain name holder may request that the suspension be lifted. Suspension may not be requested again within 2 years of being lifted. In the event of a legal dispute where the domain name holder's right to the name and its use is challenged, the holder may request suspension regardless of any previous suspensions, and effective until final judgement in the matter. Suspension has no effect on the obligation to pay the ordinary fees.

11.3 The domain name holder may request deletion of a domain name. Deletion does not entail any right to a refund of the fees paid. The domain name is unavailable for registration for a minimum of 30 days after it is removed from the DNS.

11.4 Norid will confirm any transfer, suspension or deletion to the registrar and by email to the domain name holder.

11.5 Clause 7 applies correspondingly.

12. Compulsory deletion, suspension or compulsory change of holder

12.1 The following circumstances may cause Norid to delete a domain name so that the domain name becomes available to others:

1. A claim for deletion in accordance with a final judgement regarding deletion of the domain name.

2. A claim for deletion in accordance with a final judgement regarding confiscation of domain names in criminal cases. Norid may put the domain in quarantine for a certain amount of time before it is made available for other applicants.

3. A claim for deletion in accordance with an interim court order. The name will be made available for registration by others 60 days after deletion, provided that Norid has not received a court decision or a settlement for a different solution. The name will not be made available for others according to the previous sentence if Norid within 60 days after deletion receive written documentation which shows that a legal dispute about the name is in progress between the same parties.

4. The registration was based on incorrect information provided by or on behalf of the applicant. Lack of a signed declaration form is regarded as incorrect information. The holder of the domain name shall be given an opportunity to respond before deletion takes place.

5. The domain name holder does no longer exist. For orgaizations, this means that the organization has been deleted from Norway's Central Coordinating Register for Legal Entities, for private individuals this means that the idividual has passed away.

6. Insufficient payment of registration fees or annual fees after the deadline specified in the late payment notice has elapsed.

7. The domain is not technically operative. This means that the technical requirements in A (Appendix F) have not been fulfilled.

8. The designated contact for the holder of the domain name cannot be reached.

9. Any situation that involves non-fulfilment of the applicant's responsibility or duties in accordance with the domain name policy or the declaration form.

10. The requirement for notifications as described in 12.4 does not apply for letters a), b) and c).

12.2 The following circumstances may cause Norid to suspend (hold) a domain name:

1. A written court decision which states that a domain should be confiscated in a criminal case, or a written decision from the Prosecution Authority which states that the domain should be confiscates in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Act � 205, part 2. While the domain is confiscated the Prosecution Authority is responsible for accumulated costs. If the domain is not renewed according to the domain name policy, the domain will be deleted by Norid. Norid will then consider the confiscation as abandoned, and remove restrictions put on the name.

2. Claim for suspension in accordance with an interim court order. Suspension does not affect the holder's responsibility for payment of fees.

3. The requirement for notifications as described in 12.4 does not apply for letter a) and b).

12.3 The following circumstances may cause Norid to transfer a domain name without written approval from the holder:

1. Claim for transfer of the domain in accordance with a court decision or interim court order which states that a domain name should be transferred from the holder to another holder which fulfill the requirements in the domain name policy for registration of domains, including a signed applicant declaration. The requirement for notifications as described in 12.4 does not apply.

2. Claim for reversal of a domain that has been transferred based on false information supplied by or on behalf of the applicant or the holder. Claim for reversal must be raised no later than 1 year after the change of holder took place. If Norid receives a written notice about the faulty transfer within 30 calendar days after the transfer took place, an exception is made from the requirements of notification as stated in 12.4. The new holder is given 15 calendar days to respond before the transfer is executed.

12.4Unless otherwise stated, notice will be sent by email to the holder of the domain name at least 60 days before implementation.

12.5 Claims for compulsory deletion, suspension and compulsory change of holder must be submitted in writing to Norid by email to [email protected] or by post to UNINETT Norid AS, NO-7465 Trondheim, Norway. This also applies for answers from the holder and documentation which shows that there is a legal dispute about a domain.

13. Fees

13.1 Registration of a domain name entails a one-time registration fee. In addition, there is an annual fee as long as the registration is maintained. See Appendix K.

13.2 Insufficient payment of fees will result in the deletion of the domain name.

13.3 Norid reserves the right to change the fees. Changes will be announced on Norid's home pages.

14. Applicant's rights to registered domain names

14.1 Registration of a domain name precludes others from registering an identical domain name for as long as the registration is maintained.

14.2 Registration of a domain name does not provide greater or other rights to the name than the applicant had previously. Registration does not entail any restriction on rights that others may have to use the name.

14.3 The domain name holder is identified through a unique ID; organization number for organizations, and national identity number (f�dselsnummer) for private individuals. The ID defines who has the right of use to the domain.

14.4 A domain name may be freely transferred, provided that the organization to which it is transferred satisfies the requirements of the domain name policy.

15. Applicant's responsibilities and duties

15.1 Before submitting an application, applicants must familiarize themselves with the domain name policy. Applicants shall ensure that the registration of the domain name does not violate the domain name policy or Norwegian law or the rights of third parties, and does not create an unwarranted impression of being associated with public-sector administration or the exercise of public powers. Norid does not undertake any checking of this. The applicant bears the sole responsibility, including criminal liability and liability for damages, for consequences of the registration and use of the domain name.

15.2 The applicant is obliged to comply with the domain name policy for the .no domain in force at any time. The domain name policy is available at http://www.norid.no/navnepolitikk.html

15.3 The applicant must provide correct information, both at the time of application and for as long as the registration is maintained.

15.4 The applicant must keep the registered information (both contact and technical information) up to date at all times.

15.5 The applicant must reply to queries from Norid regarding the continued accuracy of the registered information. The applicant must then document the information provided.

15.6 Before submitting an application, the applicant must sign a declaration form (Appendix G) certifying inter alia that, to the best of his or her knowledge, registration or use of the name does not violate any third party's registered or unregistered rights to the name, and does not violate Norwegian law as discriminatory, defamatory, pornographic or otherwise illegal, and does not create an unwarranted impression of being associated with public-sector administration or the exercise of public powers. In the declaration form, the applicant agrees that the registry may withdraw an assigned domain name when it is obvious that the assignment is in conflict with conditions that have been mentioned or with the domain name policy in any other way. The declaration form is to be signed and sent by fax, as a scanned attachment to email, or by ordinary post to a registrar who is obliged to keep it on file. If a copy is sent, the applicant must keep the original. The applicant is obliged to present the original at Norid's request.

15.7 If a complaint is laid against the applicant's registration in accordance with the rules and procedures that the domain name policy stipulates for complaints, the applicant agrees to participate in the complaint process, as well as to be bound by the decision of the ADR Committee. The applicant accepts the obligation to cover the complaint fee, which amounts to 4 times the court fee, if the complainant wins the dispute.

16. Use of registered information

16.1 Upon registration, the applicant agrees to publication of the domain, contact information and date of registration on the Internet, for instance through Norid's Whois database. Access may also be provided through other Internet technologies. The national identity number for private individual is not part of the contact information and will not be published.

16.2 Norid will not otherwise sell, transfer or in any other way make use of the information for commercial purposes, including direct marketing and directory services.

16.3 Historical data will only be made available to the entity that was the domain holder at the time, or with permission from this holder, unless otherwise stated through law or court decision.

16.4 Norid is not responsible for any misuse of information made public according to this provision.

17. Complaints

17.1 Complaint type A: For domain names registered after 1 October 2003, the holder of rights to names may complain on the basis that the registration or use of the domain name entails an infringement of their rights. Public-sector bodies may complain that the registration creates an unwarranted impression that it is associated with public-sector administration or the exercise of public powers. The respondent in complaints of this type is the holder of the domain name in connection with which the complaint is made. The time limit for complaints is 3 years from the registration of the domain name. See Appendix H for details and for the complaint procedure.

17.2 Complaint type B: A domain name applicant or holder may file a complaint against decisions made by Norid in relation to the domain name policy. No complaint may be filed against decisions made by Norid as the secretariat in complaint cases. The only permissible grounds for complaint are that the decision is in conflict with the domain name policy for .no. The respondent in complaints of this type is Norid. The time limit for complaints is 30 calendar days from the date on which notification of the decision was received by the applicant or domain name holder. The decision is regarded as received by the applicant/domain name holder at the latest 14 days after the decision has been sent from Norid to the registrar. See Appendix I for details and for the complaint procedure. Norid can reverse or change the decision on its own initiative if the complaint is found to be justified.

17.3 Complaint type C: For domain names registered after 1 October 2003, Norid may complain that a domain name has been registered in conflict with the declaration form. The Norwegian Post and Telecommunications Authority may complain that a domain name has been registered in conflict with the applicable administrative regulations [forskrift]. The respondent in complaints of this type is the holder of the domain name in connection with which the complaint is made. The time limit for complaints is 3 years from the registration of the domain name. See Appendix J for details and for the complaint procedure.

17.4 For all complaints, the time limit for submitting complaints is cancelled when Norid receives a valid complaint in accordance with the complaint procedures in effect. If a further one or more valid complaints relating to the same registration are received while the dispute resolution process is taking place, resolution of the complaint that has been received first is completed before the next case is initiated. In the event of several complaints, the cases are initiated in the sequence in which they are received by the secretariat. A new case is initiated only if the respondent is still the same as when the complaint was filed. Norid acts as the secretariat, receiving complaints and forwarding replies between the parties. The complaints are heard and resolved by the independent Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Committee. Norid is obliged to implement the decisions of the ADR Committee.

17.5 The ADR Committee may refuse a case if it finds that the case is so complex or doubtful, or if such inadequate information is provided about the case that it is not suitable for consideration and decision by the ADR Committee. The committee may also refuse the case if the prerequisites for consideration of the complaint do not exist.

18. Entry into force and changes to the domain name policy

18.1 This domain name policy is effective from February 19, 2001. The prior domain name policy is repealed with effect from the same date.

18.2 Significant changes to the domain name policy will be announced on Norid's Web site and become a part of the domain name policy in effect. The last change was made on 21 August 2012.

19. Appendixes and references

This section provides an overview of the documents referred to in the domain name policy. The addresses of the references may be updated without further notice.

Appendixes

References to other Norid documents

References to RFCs