Harnessing the Power of .au

The .au domain has made significant strides in the global digital landscape, emerging as one of the top ten largest domains worldwide. A recent report by the .au Domain Administration (auDA) reveals that Australian businesses recognize the importance of having a .au domain name for their websites and email addresses. The auDA report sheds light on the significance of the .au domain for businesses operating in Australia. Consumers are more inclined to trust and engage with local businesses that showcase their association with Australia through the .au domain. This recognition of the .au extension as an essential business asset emphasizes the need for businesses to secure their online presence with a .au domain name. You can find more information on this report here. With that information, read on what to do with your contested .au domain.

One year on

Firstly, we are delighted to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the .au revolution with you! We appreciate your proactive approach in safeguarding your brand’s online presence.

If you have an active priority application submitted before the process closed last year, then it is now due to renew to ensure that you remain in the race to acquire your .au direct domain name.

To assist you in making an informed decision, we would like to outline the available options. Here is the renewal timeline:

Renewing your contested .au domain application

Secure your brand’s online presence by renewing your application. The renewal window will open on the 20th of June 2023 and closes on the 20^th of September 2023. In the coming weeks, we will send application renewal notices starting 90 days before their expiry date. You will receive reminders at different points in time to renew your notification. Your final confirmation of renewal will be provided on 30^th October once auDA completes and confirms the renewal.

Between the 20^th of September to 20^th of October, auDA offers a grace period as a last chance to renew your application. If you do not renew the priority application by 20 October (UTC), the application will be withdrawn from the priority process. You will no longer be in the race to register your domains name and when there is only one active application, the .au direct domain name will be allocated to the remaining applicant. So, we highly recommend that you protect your matching.au and renew your application to maintain a strong online presence. Please see below a draft of the renewal timeline.

Resolving the allocation of a contested .au name

Priority applicants also have the option to negotiate with the contending applicant. Where an agreement is reached:

• The agreed applicant(s) will withdraw their applications;
• The name is allocated to the registrant with the only active priority application remaining. The licence will be applied for an initial one-year licence term.

Where no agreement is reached:

• The .au direct domain name will remain subject to priority hold;
• The name will remain on priority hold and the application will need to be renewed every year until there is only one active application remaining.

Applicants will need to renew their application on a yearly basis if they wish to remain in contention of the .au direct domain name. We understand that this process can be challenging, which is why we have a dedicated Token Acquisition Team ready to assist you. Our experienced experts have a proven track record of successfully negotiating on behalf of clients, securing hundreds of high-profile domain names.

To avail our brokerage services, you can sign up here.

If the does not renew their priority application, the application will be withdrawn from the priority process. The applicant can also choose to withdraw from the renewal process. The applicant will no longer be in contention to register the .au direct domain name.

As the .au revolution completes its first year, businesses are encouraged to renew their applications or negotiate with contending applicants. By actively engaging with the options provided, you can secure your brand’s online presence and capitalize on the positive consumer sentiment associated with the .au domain. Embrace the power of .au and unlock new opportunities for your business in the digital realm.