Claim Your Last Name as a Domain Before It's Too Late!
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Chapter 1: The Importance of Securing Your Domain
If you haven't already considered it, now is the time to explore the possibility of registering your last name as a domain. This can be particularly useful for creating a personal portfolio website. For instance, my surname is Chancey, so I would search for chancey.com. Given that it isn't a widely used last name, I assumed I had a decent chance of acquiring it. Unfortunately, it was already taken, and chances are, yours is too.
In this article, I will outline why you should act quickly to secure your last name as a domain if it's still available. Additionally, I will delve into the reasons behind the widespread registration of names and the limitations we face in acquiring them.
How to Check Domain Availability
I typically use GoDaddy to check domain names, as their search results are usually prompt. However, any domain registration website will allow you to look for available names. While Hostinger is also a reliable option, it may take a few extra seconds to show results, whereas GoDaddy provides nearly instant feedback.
When searching for your last name as a .com domain, you may find that it is already in use. Let's revisit my surname:
Alas! It appears that I cannot purchase this domain. So, I decided to check what chancey.com offers as a website.
Upon visiting that address, I found a corporate webpage offering my name as an email address. Thus, if I wanted to utilize my name for an email (for instance, [email protected]), I would need to go through this company for that service.
The unfortunate reality is that they have registered my name as a domain to sell this service to me, alongside others who share my surname. What's worse, they likely have your name registered too!
This situation leaves us with little recourse. But why does this company own both my name and probably yours?
Why Realnames Likely Owns Your Name
Realnames, a subsidiary of Tucows, has acquired a vast number of domain names over the years—reportedly around 40,000 domains. They have strategically amassed ownership of these names to offer services.
Can you purchase a domain from them? Unfortunately, no. They explicitly state that their surname domains are not for sale. If you attempt to contact them, you will receive an automated reply asserting their refusal to sell the domain, along with a warning about the history of unsuccessful lawsuits concerning their surname domains.
Here’s an excerpt from their response:
> Please note that we have a long and successful history of defending our legitimate use of our 40,000+ shared domain names and the many clients who use these domains for their email and web address. This is the same portfolio of domain names that was reviewed and judged to be a non-infringing use of common surnames in Avery Dennison Corp. v. Sumpton, 189 F.3d 868 (9th Cir. 1999), and we continue to win UDRP claims that are filed against our shared domains.
This message can feel intimidating, and it seems that's the intention behind it.
Why You Should Register Your Domain
Owning 40,000 surname domains is quite a substantial collection. If your desired domain is available, you should seize the opportunity to register it before it falls into the hands of Realnames or a similar entity.
Why is it beneficial to have a domain associated with your name? It serves as an effective portfolio URL, ensuring that people can easily remember your name. If your surname is unique, it simplifies fitting that URL onto business cards as well. Moreover, having your personal website linked to your name enhances discoverability; a search for your name could lead potential clients or employers to your site, rather than just your LinkedIn profile.
Conclusion
If you have the chance to claim your surname as a domain, take it!
Thank you for reading.
-Joe