About .shell domain
.shell is a brand gTLD, a type of generic top-level domain reserved exclusively for the use of a single organization. It was delegated to the Root Zone on December 15, 2015, following a successful application by Shell Information Technology International Inc. The registry is operated by Verisign, and its purpose is to serve as a closed, single-entity namespace for the Shell group.
Who can register .shell domain
Registration is strictly restricted to entities within the Shell group of companies. Only recognized members of the Shell group or its employees are eligible to register domains. It is not open to the public, and third-party registrations are not permitted. A project team within Shell manages eligibility confirmation and policy enforcement for all registrations.
How to register .shell domain
.shell is not issued through commercial registrars or available for public purchase. Domain names are allocated internally by the Shell group according to its own policies. A specified internal team confirms eligibility, checks naming conventions, and reviews acceptable use before any registration is completed. The outcome is a domain name assigned for the exclusive use of a Shell group entity or employee under a strict internal governance framework.
Typical uses of .shell domain
As a brand TLD, .shell is used exclusively by the Shell group of energy and petrochemical companies for its digital presence. Domains under this extension typically serve corporate websites, internal platforms, and marketing initiatives that reinforce the Shell brand identity. Entities within the group choose .shell to create a secure, authoritative, and unified namespace that is clearly associated with the parent organization, distinguishing it from generic or public domains.
Tips for registering .shell domain
- Registration is governed by internal Shell policies on eligibility, naming conventions, and acceptable use.
- Domains are not available for transfer or sale to third parties outside the Shell group.
- The registry policies are updated to reflect Shell's commercial interests and ICANN policy evolution.
Frequently asked questions about .shell domain
Who operates .shell domain?
The registry for .shell domains is Shell Information Technology International, administered by Shell Information Technology International Inc.
Who can register a .shell domain?
Registration is limited to verified members of the Shell group of companies or their employees. Eligibility is confirmed through an internal process managed by a dedicated project team comprising IP, IT, and communications professionals. Third parties cannot register .shell domains, though they may be permitted to use them under a strict intellectual property license arrangement controlled by Shell.
Can I transfer a .shell domain between registrars?
Inter-registrar transfers do not apply to .shell domains, as they are not registered through commercial registrars. All domains are allocated and managed internally within the Shell group's registry system. Any reassignment of a domain name would follow internal Shell policies and procedures, not the standard transfer processes used for open TLDs.
Can a third party ever own a .shell domain?
No, ownership of .shell domains is restricted to the Shell group. The application explicitly states it is unforeseeable that domains will be assigned or registered to third parties. However, third parties might be allowed to use a .shell domain name under a strict IP license regime controlled by Shell, but they would not own the domain registration itself.
What happens if a .shell domain name is no longer needed?
The lifecycle of a .shell domain is managed entirely by the internal Shell registry team. Since domains are not publicly registered, there are no standard expiration or redemption grace periods as with open TLDs. The internal policies would define procedures for retiring or reallocating domain names that are no longer in use within the organization.
How are disputes over .shell domain names resolved?
Dispute resolution for .shell domains is governed by internal Shell policies, not public mechanisms like the UDRP. The specified project team responsible for the TLD's development maintains and enforces policies on acceptable use and dispute resolution. These internal rules are designed to reflect Shell's commercial and strategic interests.