Why a domain is protected

Domains are digital identities. Brands, creators, and businesses use domains to express who they are and what they offer. Choosing the right domain or TLD helps set the tone from the very first click.

While searching for a Web3 Domain or Web3 TLD on Freename, you may see that it is marked as Protected.

What does “Protected” mean?

A Protected label generally means the domain or TLD is not available for direct registration through the standard checkout flow.

Important note: Protected does not automatically mean it can never be sold or transferred. In some cases, the current owner may be open to external sales or a transfer, depending on their settings and availability. Also, a domain or TLD may be marked as Protected for other reasons.

If you see a domain or TLD marked as Protected and you want to check whether any options are available, contact us at support@freename.com.

Understanding Domains and TLDs

To understand Protected domains, it helps to know the difference between a TLD and an SLD.

There are two categories:

• Top Level Domain (TLD): the ending, like .YourCompany
• Second Level Domain (SLD): the name before it, like ABC

Example: if your website is ABC.YourCompany

• SLD is ABC
• TLD is .YourCompany

Web3 domains and TLDs work similarly to Web2. The key difference is that Web3 domains are not managed by ICANN.

Why does Freename mark domains and TLDs as Protected?

When Freename shows a domain or TLD as Protected, it can happen for different reasons, including:

1) Already owned or reserved

Most commonly, the domain or TLD has already been purchased or reserved by someone else, so it cannot be registered again.

2) Ownership protection and uniqueness

Freename uses blockchain infrastructure to help ensure a domain or TLD is not registered or minted twice. This prevents conflicts over the same name and helps protect ownership.

3) Privacy and control

A Protected domain or TLD may be linked to an individual, a brand, or an organization. The Protected status can help maintain privacy and control, depending on the owner’s preferences.

What should you do if a domain or TLD is Protected?

If you are interested in a Protected domain or TLD, the best next step is simple:

• Email support@freename.com with the exact name you searched for
• Tell us what you are trying to achieve, for example purchase inquiry, transfer request, or external sale request
• Our team will check what options are available and guide you on next steps
  
  

FAQ

What does “Protected” mean on Freename?
It means the domain or TLD is not available for direct registration through the standard checkout.

Does “Protected” mean the domain or TLD can never be sold or transferred?
No. Protected does not automatically mean it can never be sold or transferred. In some cases, the current owner may allow external sales or a transfer, depending on their settings and availability. It can also be protected for other reasons.

Why are some domains or TLDs protected?
Common reasons include existing ownership, privacy preferences, ownership protection, and security or internal validation checks.

Who do I contact if I want to check availability or request an external sale?
Email support@freename.com with the domain or TLD you are interested in.