Domain Names

1. General Information

1.1 Domain Name Supply

We, provide an extensive range of Top-Level Domain Names (TLDs). Due to the dynamic nature of domain name rules and the vast number of TLDs, it is not feasible for us to detail each TLD's specific rules.

1.2 Usage and Revocation

Before purchasing a domain name, customers are strongly advised to verify that the domain name will be used for its intended purpose and within the intended location. Misuse of domain names may lead to revocation at any time.

1.3 Fundamental Rules

All domain names are subject to basic rules. These are shown in section 2.

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2. Rules and Restrictions

2.1 Characters Permitted

• Domain names can only include letters (A-Z), numbers (0-9), and hyphens (-). Other characters are not permitted.
• Hyphens cannot be at the start or end of a domain name.
• Domain names cannot be registered if they are already in use.
• Domain names are not case-sensitive (e.g., 'Example.com' is equivalent to 'example.com').
• Customers are advised against registering domain names that may infringe upon another company's trademark, unless legal rights to do so are established.

2.2 Length and Format

• Minimum Length: Three characters plus the extension for all domain names.
• Maximum Length: 'uk', 'com', 'org', 'net' domains can have up to 64 characters. All other domain extensions are limited to 63 characters, excluding the extension.

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3. Domain Specific Restrictions

3.1 TLD Variations

Due to the diverse range of registries, an exhaustive list of all TLDs and their restrictions is not provided here. Customers should consult the relevant registry or a domain registration service provider for specific TLD information. Examples of common TLDs and their general restrictions are provided below for reference.

Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs)

1. .com - Commercial businesses; no restrictions.
2. .org - Organizations (traditionally non-profit); no restrictions.
3. .net - Network infrastructures; no restrictions.
4. .info - Informational sites; no restrictions.
5. .biz - Businesses; no restrictions.

Sponsored Top-Level Domains (sTLDs)

1. .edu - Educational institutions (mostly restricted to accredited degree-granting institutions in the U.S.).
2. .gov - United States Government agencies and entities.
3. .mil - United States Military.
4. .jobs - Employment-related sites (companies must be verifiable employers).
5. .museum - Museums.

Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs)

1. .us (United States) - Generally no restrictions, but some specific subdomains have limitations.
2. .uk (United Kingdom) - Various second-level domains under .uk have different restrictions (e.g., .co.uk for commercial entities, .ac.uk for academic institutions).
3. .de (Germany) - Must have a local contact in Germany.
4. .ca (Canada) - Must meet Canadian presence requirements.
5. .au (Australia) - Must have a connection to Australia and meet specific criteria for various second-level domains (e.g., .com.au for commercial entities).

New gTLDs

1. .app - Intended for apps, requires HTTPS for secure connection.
2. .blog - Blogs; no restrictions but intended for blogging.
3. .health - Health industry; may have specific requirements to ensure relevance.
4. .realty - Real estate industry; may have restrictions to ensure industry relevance.
5. .tech - Technology; no restrictions but intended for technology-related entities.

Restricted Domains

Some domains have specific restrictions based on geographical location, industry sector, or other criteria:

1. .bank - Financial institutions, subject to verification and security measures.
2. .law and .lawyer - Legal professionals, with verification required.
3. .pharmacy - Legitimate pharmacies, subject to verification.

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4. Additional Terms

4.1 Case Sensitivity

Domain names are not case-sensitive. Variations in letter casing are considered the same domain (e.g., 'AAA.com', 'aaa.com', and 'AaA.com').

4.2 Validation Checks

We endeavour to prevent the registration of domain names that do not comply with the aforementioned rules through our registration systems. However, should our checks not catch a non-compliant domain name, we advise clients to seek guidance to ensure the chosen domain name's validity.

4.3 Domain Registration Failure

We are not responsible if an invalid domain name is attempted to be registered and is accepted by our systems. Acceptance by our system does not equate to acceptance of domain registration by the relevant registry. All domain registrations remain subject to Section 6 of these Terms, relating to Premium and Variable-Price Domains.

4.4 Spelling or Typographic Errors in Domain Registration

In the event that a domain name is registered with a spelling or typographic error, it is the registrant's responsibility to ensure the accuracy of the domain name before finalizing the registration. Our system's acceptance of a domain registration request does not include verification of spelling or typographical correctness. Once a domain name is registered, it is deemed final and no refunds or cancellations will be offered for misspelled domain names. Registrants are encouraged to double-check their domain name for accuracy prior to submission to avoid any such errors.

4.5 Registry Verification and Proof of Eligibility

Certain Top-Level Domains (TLDs) require the registrant to meet specific eligibility, geographical, or professional criteria (for example, a local presence requirement or proof of industry affiliation). If a registry requests documentation to verify eligibility, it is the customer’s responsibility to provide complete and accurate proof within the timeframe required by the registry. Failure to do so may result in the refusal, suspension, or revocation of the domain registration. We accept no liability for any loss or delay arising from a customer’s failure to meet or evidence such criteria. If the registry refuses registration on these grounds, the order will be cancelled and a full refund will be issued in accordance with Section 6.6 of these Terms.

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5. Generic Top-Level Domain Registrations

5.1 Registrar Partnerships

We register our domain names through various registrars, including but not limited to NETIM. By registering a domain, customers enter into a contract with NETIM.

5.2 Non-Roman Alphabet Domains

We may accept applications to register and renew certain gTLD names in non-Roman alphabet languages (e.g., Japanese, Chinese, Korean), at our discretion.

5.3 Registrar Terms

For terms and conditions specific to NETIM, customers are directed to their legal agreements at https://www.netim.com/en/general-terms

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6. DNS Management & Nameservers

6.1 Overview

Hipposerve provides DNS and nameserver management as part of its hosting and domain registration services. To ensure service reliability, security, and compliance, certain automated systems may temporarily update or synchronise DNS or nameserver settings where required for the proper operation of a service (for example, during hosting account setup, migration, domain integration, or in response to a detected configuration error).

6.2 Legitimate Reasons for DNS Changes

Hipposerve will never intentionally change nameserver or DNS records without a legitimate technical or administrative reason directly related to maintaining or delivering the services purchased.

6.3 Notification and Confirmation

Where possible, Hipposerve will:

• Provide prior notice of any change to DNS or nameserver settings by automated or manual systems, and
• Send confirmation once any update has been completed.

6.4 Customer Responsibility

Customers remain responsible for verifying and maintaining their own DNS configuration, especially where external systems or third-party DNS providers are in use.

6.5 Liability

Hipposerve accepts no liability for loss or interruption of service arising from:

• DNS misconfiguration caused by customer actions or third-party systems, or
• Automated synchronisation tasks necessary for service continuity, security, or compliance.

6.6 Security Emergencies

In the event of a security incident or credible threat, Hipposerve reserves the right to take immediate and automated protective action, including the modification of DNS or nameserver records, suspension of services, or rerouting of traffic, without prior notice. Such measures are taken solely to protect the integrity and security of our network, infrastructure, and customers, and will be communicated to affected customers as soon as reasonably possible.

6.7 Error Reporting

If a customer believes an automated DNS change has been made in error, they should contact Hipposerve Support immediately. All such reports are reviewed and, where applicable, changes can be reverted or excluded from future automation.

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7. Premium and Variable-Price Domains

7.1 Definition

Certain domain names are designated by the relevant registry as Premium, Reserved, or High-Value domains. Such names are subject to higher or variable registration and renewal fees determined solely by the registry, not by Hipposerve Digital Services Ltd (“we”, “us”, “our”). <

7.2 Non-Binding Pricing Display

Prices shown on our website and in the order system represent the standard registry fees for each TLD. Where a registry subsequently identifies a requested domain as Premium or otherwise subject to different pricing, any price displayed or invoiced through our system is indicative only and does not constitute a binding offer to sell.

7.3 Offer and Acceptance

A customer’s submission of an order for a domain name constitutes an offer to purchase. No contract is formed until: • the domain has been successfully registered with the relevant registry, and • we have issued a confirmation of successful registration. An automatically generated invoice, payment receipt, or order confirmation email does not represent acceptance of the offer.

7.4 Registry Price Changes and Currency Fluctuations

If a registry or supplier alters its pricing after the time of order but before successful registration, or if currency fluctuations materially affect cost, we reserve the right to adjust the final price accordingly.

7.5 Procedure Where Pricing Differs

If a domain is flagged as Premium, Reserved, or otherwise priced above the amount shown at checkout: 1. We will notify you promptly of the correct registry pricing. 2. You may then choose one of the following options: a. Proceed with the registration at the revised registry price; b. Receive a full refund to your original payment method; or c. Receive a credit for the full amount to your Hipposerve account. If you do not confirm acceptance of the revised price within five (5) business days, the order will be cancelled automatically and any payment fully refunded.

7.6 Impossibility of Registration

f a registry or supplier refuses or is unable to complete a domain registration for any reason—including but not limited to: • premium or reserved classification, • restricted or geographically limited TLD eligibility requirements, • failure by the customer to provide required documentation or proof of entitlement, • industry-specific validation failure (e.g. .bank, .law, .pharmacy), • technical limitations, system errors, or registry policy changes— we shall cancel the order and issue a full refund of any payment received. Such cancellation constitutes full and final settlement of our obligations for that domain, and we shall bear no further responsibility or liability for the inability to register or maintain it.

7.7 Limitation of Liability

We shall not be liable for any direct or indirect loss, cost, or consequential damage arising from: • registry errors or omissions; • unavailability of a domain name; or • automated pricing or lookup inaccuracies. Our liability in such cases is strictly limited to refunding any payment received for the unfulfilled order.

7.8 Good-Faith Communication

We reserve the right to terminate communication and decline further correspondence in cases of abusive, harassing, or vexatious behaviour.