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Domain Registrations > 2nd Level .SG FAQ
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GENERAL
What is a second-level '.sg' domain name?
Second-level '.sg' domain name is a shorter domain name (e.g. 'abc.sg') as compared to the existing third-level domain name (e.g. 'abc.com.sg').
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Why introduce second-level ‘.sg' domain name?
Introduction of second-level ‘.sg' domain name is to give the public more choices and avenues to register '.sg' domain name. ^TOP
What are the benefits of registering a second-level '.sg' domain name?
The benefits are:
(a) You will have a shorter '.sg' domain name highlighting your local presence
(b) You have more choices available on top of the existing categories of ‘com.sg' ‘org.sg', ‘net.sg', ‘edu.sg' ‘gov.sg' and ‘per.sg'
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What is the purpose of a 6-week Sunrise Period?
The purpose of the 6-week Sunrise Period is to avoid any potential rush in applying for second-level ‘.sg’ domain.
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Are applications received during the Sunrise Period processed on a first-come-first-served basis?
No, all applications received during the Sunrise period will be collected togeth
er and processed as a batch. This is to allow SGNIC to allocate the domain name according to the allocation piorities as given in Section 4 of the Guidelines
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APPLICATIONS
I am an existing registrant with SGNIC, is it mandatory for me to register second-level '.sg' domain names?
No, it is not mandatory for you to register second-level '.sg' domain names. It is entirely up to you to decide whether you want the same name to be registered at the second-level domain name. If you would like to also have the same name to be registered at the second-level, we advise you to send in your application through your registrars during the Soft Launch period in order to take advantage of the priority given.
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Your current third-level ‘.sg' (eg example.com.sg) domain name will not be affected after registering a new second-level ‘.sg' domain name. Any arrangements you have currently for your third-level name will still remain the same.
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Do I need to change my current third-level '.sg' domain name to second-level domain name?
No, you do not have to do so. This second-level scheme is not to ask you to change from the current third-level to second-level. You can continue to retain your current third-level domain name. If you need to register the same name at the second-level, you can send in your application through your registrar and the second-level domain name will be in addition to the third-level domain name you currently have.
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When can I register for a second-level ‘.sg' domain name?
You can start applying from 15 September 2004 .
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Who can register second-level '.sg' domain name?
All individuals and entities are eligible to apply for second-level ‘.sg’ domain name. Foreign-based registrants have to appoint a local administrative contact or register a local office.
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How do I register a second-level ‘.sg' domain name?
You can register second-level ‘.sg' domain name with any of the seven registrars accredited by SGNIC.
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Is there any document required for registering a second-level '.sg' domain name?
No documentary proof is required to register a second-level '.sg' domain name. However, during the Sunrise Period, applicants will be required to submit a declaration form, indicating their status (i.e. trademark holders, government bodies, existing registrant, etc). This form has to be submitted to SGNIC via the registrars
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Are there any special registration requirements during the Sunrise Period?
There are no registration requirements. Individuals and entities are eligible to apply for second-level ‘.sg’ domain name during the sunrise period. Foreign-based applicants, however, have to appoint a local administrative contact or register a local office.
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Are there any restrictions on the types of domain names that I can register?
The restrictions on the types of domain names to be registered are the same as the third-level domain names specifically:
(a) Names, which contain certain words such as “Temasek”, “Singapore”, “Singapura” and its variation, “Singapore Government” or “President” or any other words that can mislead people to think there is link to the Government;
(b) Names, which contains “SGNIC”, “NIC” and its variations;
(c) Names, which are obscene, scandalous, indecent or contrary to law, or morality (e.g. “sex” or any connotations with sex or any sex-related activities);
(d) Names, which are geographical names or names of countries (e.g. Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, etc.);
(e) Abbreviated names (either on their own or in combination with other characters) of existing generic top-level domain name (gTLDs) (i.e. .com, .org, .net, edu, .gov, .per, .aero, .coop, .biz, .info, .museum, .name and .pro) and any other gTLDs created or to be created by ICANN in the future;
(f) Names, such as “www”, “http”, “https” or “http-www”;
(g) Names, which are similar or identical to domain names registered under other domain name space and which SGNIC deems undesirable; and
(h) Names, which consist of all numerals.
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I have an existing third-level domain name ‘abc.com.sg' with Registrar A, must I register second-level name ‘abc.sg' with the same Registrar?
No, you may select any of SGNIC’s registrars as the registrar for the second-level domain name. However, you should ensure that the registrant organization name is exactly the same as the one for the third-level domain name so that SGNIC can classify you as an ‘existing registrant’.
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What happen if there is more than one application for the same second-level ‘.sg' domain name during the Sunrise Period?
During the Sunrise Period, if there is more than one application for the same second-level domain name, allocation priority will be as follows:
(a) Holders of registered trade marks; and where there are multiple applicants, to the highest bidder.
(b) Ministries/Government Departments/Statutory Bodies.
(c) Existing third-level domain name registrants who applied for the same domain name, and where there are multiple applicants, to the highest bidder.
(d) New applicants, and where there are multiple applicants, to the highest bidder.
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How do you actually implement the priority registration of registered trade mark owners, unregistered well-known mark owners and existing registrant inthat order?
This can be best explained by the following examples:
(1) The name ‘ABC’ is a trade mark already registered in Singapore. Its proprietor submits an application to register ‘ABC.sg’. There are also submissions from others applying to register ‘ABC.sg’. SGNIC will allocate the name ‘ABC.sg’ to the trade mark proprietor.
(2) The name ‘ABC’ has been registered by a government organisation under ‘ABC.gov.sg’. This organisation submits an application to register ‘ABC.sg’. There are also submissions from others (except the trademark proprietor) applying to register ‘ABC.sg’. SGNIC will allocate the name ‘ABC.sg’ to the government organisation.
(3) The name ‘ABC’ has been registered by an existing registrant under ‘ABC.com.sg’. This registrant submits an application to register ‘ABC.sg’. There are also submissions from others (except Trade mark proprietor and government organisations). SGNIC will allocate the name ‘ABC.sg’ to the registrant.
(4) The name ‘ABC’ is a trade mark already registered in Singapore. Its proprietor submits an application to register ‘ABC.sg’. There are also submissions from government organisation (i.e. ‘ABC.gov.sg’) and an existing 3rd level registrant (e.g. ‘ABC.com.sg’) applying to register ‘ABC.sg’. SGNIC will allocate the name ‘ABC.sg’ to the trademark proprietor.
(5) The name ‘ABC.sg’ is being applied for by a government organization, an existing registrant (e.g. ‘ABC.com.sg’) and a new applicant. SGNIC will allocate the name to the government organisation.
(6) The name ‘ABC.sg’ is being applied for by a new applicant. If there are no submissions from others to apply for the name ‘ABC.sg’, SGNIC will allocate the name to the new applicant.
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How would you define "existing registrants”?
"Existing registrants" refer to '.sg' domain name holders
a) Who have registered third-level ‘.sg' domain name with SGNIC before or by 5:00 pm on 6 September 2004; and
b) The name applied under the second-level must be exactly the same as the one under the third-level. E.g. registrant of ‘abc.com.sg’ is considered an existing registrant if he applied for ‘abc.sg’. If he applies for ‘edf.sg’, he is not considered as an existing registrant; and
c) The organization name and/or first name, last name must be an exact match of the one provided by the third-level domain name.
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What will be the ‘creation date' of a domain name? Is it based on the date when I apply for the domain or the date of approval?
It will be based on the date of approval, which barring objections to the allocation results, will be 14 days after the announcement of allocation results. It will not be based on the date of application/submission during the sunrise period.
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When will I know if my application is successful?
All applications (from Trademark owners, government agencies, existing registrants and new registrants) will be processed between 1 November to 19 December 2004. Registration results for the sunrise period will be posted on SGNIC's website on 20 December 2004 . An objection period of 14 calendar days is provided for the public to raise objections to any allocation decision. If there is no objection filed against your allocated domain name, it will be allocated to you on 3 January 2005. Your registrar will also inform you of the result of your application.
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What happens if there is an objection raised against my application?
Your application will be placed on hold until a decision has been made.
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Why does registered trademark or well-known mark owners enjoy priority over other applicants?
Owners of registered trademarks or well-known marks in Singapore are legally authorised to use their marks for various purposes. Their status and priority in the use of domain names similar to their marks is also recognised under the Singapore Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy. Thus they are given priority over other applicants. ^TOP
How would you define whether the applied domain name is of an exact match with the applicant's trademark?
SGNIC will use the following criteria to define whether the applications for domain name are of an exact match with the applicants' trademarks:
• The applied domain name is an exact match with the textual, word or numeric elements of the applicant's trademarks
• Special characters eg ~ ` @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ + = < > { } [ ] | \ /, spaces and punctuation (eg : ; ? ` , . ? ) will have to be removed or replaced with hyphens.
• Hyphen is the only character allowed to be included in domain names
Examples:
• If you own a trademark BLACK & WHITE', we would accept your application for ‘BLACKWHITE.SG' and / or BLACK-WHITE.SG'.
• If your trademark is ‘GOOD COMPANY', you may apply for ‘GOODCOMPANY.SG' and / or ‘GOOD-COMPANY.SG'.
• If there is a ‘-‘ in your trademark, eg ‘TREE-TOP', you may apply for ‘TREE-TOP.SG'.
SGNIC reserves the rights to make final decision on whether or not to accept any application, however, discretion can be extended for special cases. ^TOP
Why are ‘gov.sg' domain name holders given the priority of registering second-level ‘.sg' domain name?
Government bodies and departments are charged with the functions of providing services to the public which include individuals, non-profit organisations and the business community. There is a need to ensure that the information provided by these government agencies is accessible through the widest possible means, ie at both third and second-levels. There is also a need to prevent abuse of government website names by others who register such names at the second-level to pass off as government websites to confuse or mislead the public. ^TOP
Why are existing third-level '.sg' domain name registrants given the priority of registering second-level ‘.sg' domain name?
Existing registrants of third-level names have been using the names which may be familiar to their customers or foreign associates. To avoid possible confusion that can arise from others registering the same names at the second-level and to minimise the potential dispute cases between the parties registering the same name at the two levels, there is a need to let the existing third-level name registrant decide first if they would also like to register the same name at the second-level. ^TOP
BIDDING
Under what circumstances do I need to bid for second-level domain names?
Where more than one application for the same allocation priority category is received for the same domain name during the Sunrise Period, applicants will be invited to bid for the domain name. The one who bid the highest price will have the right to the name at the second-level. ^TOP
How do you actually implement the bidding among applicants in the same priority group applying for the same domain name at the second-level of ‘.sg'?
This can be best explained by the following examples:
(1) The name ‘XYZ' is a trade mark already registered in Singapore under certain class of goods. The name ‘XYZ' is also registered by another proprietor in Singapore under a different class. Both proprietors submit application to register the name ‘XYZ.sg'. The two trade mark proprietor will bid among themselves to secure the right to register ‘XYZ.sg'.
(2) The name ‘XYZ' is currently being registered by more than one registrant of different categories such as ‘XYZ.com.sg', ‘XYZ.org.sg' and ‘XYZ.net.sg'. The three registrants will bid among themselves to secure the right to register ‘XYZ.sg'.
(3) The name ‘XYZ' is being applied for by two new applicants as ‘XYZ.sg'. The two applicants will bid among themselves to secure the right to register ‘XYZ.sg'.
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How do I know if I need to bid for a name?
SGNIC will inform you via mail if you need to bid for a name. ^TOP
Why does SGNIC adopt the bidding method to allocating domain names and not by other methods such as using the registration date or by draw?
The registrations of third-level ‘.sg' names under different categories (e.g. ‘.com/.net/.org.sg' names) are subject to different eligibility requirements. Names under some categories are relatively easy to register compared to others. It is therefore not fair to base on registration date of names as a basis of priority. Bidding method is considered fairer as it allows bidders to determine the importance of the domain names to them and to decide how much the names are worth paying. Drawing lots is based on ‘luck' and may not be an optimum approach as it does not allow the market a chance to first determine the value of the domain name. ^TOP
PAYMENT If I am successful in bidding for a name, can I use the bid price as payment to SGNIC later when I submit my application through a registrar?
No, the bid price is only a one-time payment for the purpose of determining which registrant values the name most. It is not meant to off-set the payment to SGNIC in the usual annual maintenance payment.
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Do I pay SGNIC for registering a second-level ‘.sg' domain name? No, SGNIC will not be charging the registrants directly for the registration. You will have to pay your registrar for the registration. ^TOP
How much do I have to pay for a second-level domain name?
Charges for registering second-level ‘.sg’ domain names will depend on the package you take up with the individual registrars. ^TOP
Do I have to pay upfront to the registrar during the sunrise period even though the domain is not successfully allocated to me?
You will have to check with individual registrar on the payment terms. Some registrars may require you to pay upfront and refund the cost should your application be unsuccessful. Other registrars may only collect payment from you after your application is successful. ^TOP
OBJECTION What is the procedure if I want to lodge a complaint against the decision of SGNIC in allowing a registration?
You can lodge an objection/a complaint against SGNIC's decision by filling up an Objection Form and sending it to SGNIC. The Objection Form must be submitted within 14 calendar days from the announcement of SGNIC's allocation results. Your objection will be considered by a Panel which will decide within 30 calendar days of your submission under normal circumstances. The decision of the Panel will be final. ^TOP What is SGNIC's procedure to resolve a dispute arising from a complaint lodged by an applicant?
All disputes in relation to second-level domain names (except disputes arising from the allocation results announced during the Sunrise Period) will be dealt with in accordance with the Singapore Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy, Rules and Supplemental Rules referred to in the Registrant Agreement regardless of when the second-level domain name was registered.
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I am an existing third level domain name holder. If I don't register the same name under the 2nd level and if I discover someone else has registered the same name under the 2nd level to confuse or mislead my customers, can I still take action against the party and takem back my name?
Yes, under the Singapore Domain Dispute Resolution Policy, you may lodge a complaint with the Singapore Mediation Centre to request for the name to be transferred to you. You can do so if the other party has no right to use the name and has tried to sell or rent or transfer the name to you for a fee; or to disrupt your business; or to confuse or mislead users in order to attract them to its website.
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