.ad FAQ

A domain name which is part of an electronic address operates on the basis of a hierarchy of domain levels. The Domain Name System, better known by its initials DNS consists of different levels. The highest level of all are top level names, which can be divided into two categories: generic top level domain names (internationally known by the initials gTLD) and top level domain names which are country codes (internationally known as ccTLD). There are currently 7 gTLD (".com", ".gov", ".edu", ".net", ".mil", ".org" and ".int") and 243 ccTLD, each of which is a two-letter country code derived from Rule 3166 of the International Standardisation Organisation (ISO-3166). The ccTLD ".ad" uses the ISO 3166 standard abbreviated form for the name Principat d'Andorra.

Applicants for authorization as described in Rule 3, must meet the following requirements:

a) If, in accordance with Rule 4.d)i), the applicant states that that domain name will be used as a trademark for Internet services, the applicant must be the owner or exclusive licensee of a trademark registered in Andorra for Internet services, which has been the object of a substantive examination by the Trademark Office of the Principality of Andorra (OMPA) in accordance with the provisions relative to substantive examinations contained in the Implementing Regulations of the Trademark Law and the Trademark Office Fees Law of 10 May 2000, or any other legal or regulatory provision subsequent to this date which further develops this matter. The trademark shall be identical to the second or lower level domain name sought.

b) If, in accordance with Rule 4.d)ii), the applicant states a use in Internet in relation with a trademark, the applicant shall be the owner or exclusive licensee of a trademark registered in Andorra for the goods or services referred to in his statement and this trademark shall be identical to the second or, if applicable, lower level domain name sought.

c) If, in accordance with Rule 4.d)iii), the applicant states that the domain name applied for will be used to identify a commercial activity to be carried out over the cpr144449003101 Internet, the applicant shall be the owner of a business name registered in Andorra, which name shall be identical to the second or, if applicable, lower level domain name sought.

d) If, in accordance with Rule 4.d)iv), the applicant states that the domain name applied for will be used for private purposes on the Internet, the second or, if applicable, lower level domain name sought shall consist of the applicant's first name or initial followed by the surname or else the first name followed by the surname or its initial. Numbers may be added to these names. If the applicant is a legal entity, the domain name shall consist of the name of the entity which is registered in Andorra and may or may not include the abbreviation of the company's legal form. The domain name shall contain the sub domain ".nom" between the second level domain name and the top level domain name ".ad".

e) If, in accordance with Rule 4.d) v), the applicant states that the domain name applied for will be used on the Internet for private purposes by a nonprofit organisation, the second or, if applicable, lower level domain name sought shall consist of the name of the nonprofit organization. The domain name shall contain the subdomain ".nom" between the second level domain name and the top level domain name ".ad".