About .ren domain
.ren is a brand gTLD operated by Beijing Qianxiang Wangjing Technology Development Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Renren Inc. It was delegated to the root zone in March 2014 as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program. The registry was established to serve as a dedicated, secure online space for the registry operator's platform and services. Its management is directly controlled by the applicant company.
Who can register .ren domain
Registration for .ren domains is highly restricted. The applicant's stated policy requires all registration applications to be accompanied by a supporting letter from the registry's legal department. This letter must specify the approved domain name, its intended purpose, and the administrative and technical contacts. Effectively, this means the TLD is not openly available to the public through standard registrar channels.
How to register .ren domain
.ren is not allocated through commercial registrars in an open manner. The registry's application details a stringent, approval-based process. Prospective registrants must obtain a formal supporting letter from the registry operator's legal department before any registration can proceed. This letter explicitly authorizes the specific domain name and its stated use. The registry and registrars are not involved in helping applicants secure this letter; it is the sole responsibility of the registrant.
Typical uses of .ren domain
The .ren extension is intended for use within the ecosystem of Renren Inc., which operates a major social networking platform in China. The primary envisioned users are the platform's VIP subscribers, who would be offered personalized domains as an enhanced service. The TLD aims to consolidate the company's various online services under a unified, branded space to improve user experience, security, and brand integration. Its use is closely tied to the registry's own social networking and commercial offerings.
Tips for registering .ren domain
- Registration requires pre-approval via a supporting letter from the registry's legal department, which must detail the domain's purpose and contacts.
- The registry outlined plans for Sunrise and Landrush periods to protect trademark holders and cater to early adopters prior to any general availability.
- The registry stated an intention to utilize the Trademark Clearinghouse to help prevent cybersquatting and intellectual property infringement.
- Geographic names were cited for additional protection under the registry's proposed policies.
Frequently asked questions about .ren domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .ren domain?
As of today, .ren domains start from $5.22/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $16.99/yr across 7 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .ren domains?
NameBeta tracks 7 registrars that support .ren domain registration, with the cheapest option at $5.22/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .ren domain?
The registry for .ren domains is ZDNS, administered by ZDNS International Limited.
Who can register a .ren domain?
Registration is not open to the general public. Eligibility is contingent upon receiving explicit approval from the registry operator, Renren Inc., via its legal department. An applicant must secure a supporting letter that authorizes the specific domain name and its intended use before a registrar can process the registration. This makes the TLD effectively a closed brand space for the registry's authorized users and partners.
Can I transfer a .ren domain between registrars?
Given the highly restricted nature of .ren registrations, inter-registrar transfers would also be subject to the registry's stringent approval policies. The domain's status and the registry's supporting letter would likely need to be verified during any transfer process. It is advisable to consult directly with the registry operator to understand the specific procedures and requirements for transferring an approved .ren domain name between accredited registrars.
What is the purpose of the required supporting letter?
The supporting letter acts as a formal authorization from the registry, ensuring all .ren domains align with the operator's controlled ecosystem. It must clearly state the exact domain name being registered, the purpose for which it will be used, and the designated administrative and technical contacts. This process allows the registry to maintain strict oversight and quality control over all domains under its TLD.
How does the registry plan to protect trademarks?
The registry's application outlined several mechanisms for trademark protection, including adherence to a Sunrise period that gives rights holders priority to register their corresponding names. It also committed to using the ICANN Trademark Clearinghouse to provide trademark claims services. These measures are designed to reduce cybersquatting and intellectual property conflicts within the tightly managed namespace.
Can anyone register a .ren domain during a Landrush period?
While a Landrush period was mentioned to cater to "ardent aspirant registrants," the overarching requirement for a supporting letter from the registry's legal department suggests that even Landrush applications would require this pre-approval. Therefore, Landrush would not constitute an open, unrestricted registration phase but rather a prioritized window for approved applicants.
