Upcoming Changes for .AU Domains

New rules are coming into place for the Australian ccTLDs .COM.AU, .NET.AU, and .ORG.AU, on April 12th, 2021.

The eligibility requirements are being updated and all new .AU domain registrations and renewals will be required to follow these qualifications. In addition, any existing domains that do not meet the new requirements will become ineligible for renewal.

Here’s what to know:

For .COM.AU and .NET.AU Domain Owners

The update will affect current foreign companies, legal entities, or persons who use an Australian Trade Mark to meet the Australian presence requirement.

Currently, domain names with wording similar to the ones used on the Australian Trade Mark application or registration are allowed. This is known as the “closely and substantially connected rule.” This rule is being updated.

After April 12th, 2021, domain names must be an exact match of the words used on the Australian Trade Mark application or registration.

If you currently own a .COM.AU and/or .NET.AU domain, we encourage you to check your Australian Trade Mark application to see if your domain is an exact match to the words used on your application. If they are the same, no action is required.

If you are affected by this update, here’s what you can do:

• Consider registering a trademark for the words within your current domain name
• Consider changing the basis on which you meet the Australian Presence requirement; however, if it involves changing the legal entity the domain is registered to, the name will need to be transferred to that new entity

If a person uses their Australian Trade Mark to meet Australian Presence for For .COM.AU and/or .NET.AU domain names, this requirement must be fulfilled at the time of their domain renewal. If the trademark is no longer valid, another criterion must be met, otherwise, the registrant can no longer hold their domain license.

For .ORG.AU Domain Owners

This update will affect current .ORG.AU registrants who use their unincorporated association as the basis for their eligibility for an ORG.AU domain name, who can not register with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).

The definition of a not-for-profit entity has been updated: according to the new licensing rules, a not-for-profit no longer includes unincorporated associations not registered with the ACNC. All not-for-profit entities must be registered with the ACNC to be eligible for .ORG.AU domain names.

If this change affects you, here’s what you can do:

• Check to see if you meet another category for not-for-profit
• Register a ASN.AU domain
• See if your organisation’s legal structure can be changed

For all new .ORG.AU domain name registration and renewals, unincorporated associations must be listed on the (ACNC).

Validating .COM.AU, .NET.AU and ORG.AU Domains

.AU domain registrants will also undergo further validation of their identity, ability to meet licensing requirements, Australian presence, and their email address for private registrants.

More information regarding .AU domain updates will be coming out soon and we will keep you informed. Make sure to subscribe to newsletter to stay up to date. Should you have any questions regarding these changes, please contact us at [email protected].