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The cut-off to register for your .au direct domain is 3:59 UTC on 20 September 2022. The .au domain is a new, general-purpose, shorter Australian domain name option. This is a significant opportunity for businesses to secure their brand in the Australian digital landscape.
Why Register Your .au Domain?
Failing to register the direct match of your existing domain for the .au domain can lead to several risks. Your brand equity could be consumed by someone else, rivals might redirect your clients to their products and services, squatters could hold the domain, or cybercriminals might impersonate your business. The opening of the new .au domain represents the single biggest shift in Australian cyber real estate in decades, and the risks for businesses are high.
Priority Access for Existing Domain Holders
If you are registering an exact match of your existing domain name (e.g., .com.au or .net.au) and you held your domain name prior to 24 March 2022, you have priority access. However, this priority access is only available until 23:59 UTC on 20 September 2022 (9:59am AEST on 21 September). After this deadline, the .au direct domain name will be available to anyone with a connection to Australia from 21:00 UTC on 3 October 2022 (8:00am AEDT on 4 October).
How to Register Your Domain
While you can register for the .au domain through various providers, the most efficient method is to use your existing provider. You will need your domain’s access information. If these details are missing, for example, if they were held by a former staff member, it can take time to recover them. Therefore, do not leave the registration process until the last minute.
Once you have applied for your matching .au domain, if your application is uncontested, you will be able to use the .au direct name soon after applying for priority status.
Handling Contested Domains
If you share a domain name with another entity (e.g., one entity owns .com.au and another owns .net.au), the right to register the .au domain will be determined by priority. Category 1 applicants, those who secured the domain on or before 4 February 2018, have priority over Category 2 applicants who registered their domain after 4 February 2018.
If the name is contested by a Category 1 and a Category 2 applicant, the Category 1 applicant will secure the name. If two Category 2 applicants apply for the name, it is allocated to the applicant with the earlier domain license creation date. However, if two Category 1 applicants apply for the name, both parties must agree on the allocation, or the name remains unallocated.
Act Now to Secure Your .au Domain
The introduction of the .au domain is a pivotal moment for Australian businesses. By securing your .au domain, you protect your brand, prevent potential misuse, and ensure your business remains competitive in the digital landscape. Don’t wait until the last minute—start the registration process today to safeguard your business’s online presence.
Our team of experts can always advise, when your unsure of what you need to do.
