Indian Domain Law Basics for Bloggers and Site Owners

If you run a blog or a business site in India, the rules behind .in domains matter more than you think. They decide who can grab a name, how you keep it, and what happens if someone challenges your ownership. This guide breaks down the most important points without drowning you in legal jargon.

Key Rules for Registering .in Domains

First up, you need to know who can register a .in name. Anyone can, but if you want a .co.in or .net.in, you need to prove you’re a registered Indian company or a professional body. For plain .in, the barrier is lower – a personal ID or a firm’s GST number works. When you sign up, the registrar will ask for proof of identity, address, and, if applicable, the company’s PAN or GSTIN.

Once you’re approved, the domain is yours for up to ten years. You can renew anytime before it expires, but make sure you set a reminder. Missed renewals can lead to a lapse, and someone else might snap up the name the next day.

Privacy protection is optional. Some registrars hide your contact details from the public WHOIS database for a small fee. If you’re comfortable, leaving the info visible can speed up dispute resolution because the authority can verify you quickly.

How to Handle Domain Disputes in India

Disputes pop up when two parties claim the same name or when a domain is parked and not used. India follows the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) adopted by ICANN. You file a complaint with an approved dispute‑resolution provider, like the National Internet Registry (NIR). Your case must show that the domain is identical or confusingly similar to a trademark you own, that the current holder has no legitimate interest, and that they registered it in bad faith.

Most disputes settle in a few months. If the panel decides in your favor, the domain gets transferred to you or is cancelled. Losing a case can mean you pay the other side’s fees, so it’s worth double‑checking trademark rights before you start a fight.

Prevention is cheaper than litigation. Keep your trademark registration up to date, monitor new .in registrations that look similar to your brand, and use a reputable registrar that offers dispute‑resolution support.

Finally, remember that Indian law also respects the Information Technology Act, 2000. This act covers cyber‑crimes and can be invoked if someone uses a domain for phishing or fraud. Reporting such abuse to CERT-In can lead to swift action, including domain suspension.

In short, treat your .in domain like any other business asset. Register it with correct documents, renew on time, and keep your trademark sharp. When disputes arise, act fast, gather evidence, and use the UDRP process. Following these steps will keep your online identity safe and let you focus on creating great content.