About .skype domain
.skype is a brand gTLD operated by Microsoft Corporation, with Verisign serving as the backend registry. It was delegated to the root zone on June 24, 2015, as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program. The extension was established exclusively to support and protect the Skype communications platform and its associated intellectual property. As a brand TLD, it is not intended for public registration or commercial sale.
Who can register .skype domain
Registration of a .skype domain name is not open to the public. The TLD is a closed registry, with all domains remaining the property of Microsoft. Eligibility is restricted to Microsoft and its affiliated entities for use in promoting the Skype platform. There is no process for third-party organizations or individuals to register a .skype domain.
How to register .skype domain
.skype domains are not allocated through commercial registrars. The allocation process is entirely internal to Microsoft, governed by its Domain Name Management team and the .skype Domain Management Policy. Domain registration involves internal steps of eligibility confirmation, naming convention checks, and acceptable use review. All domains are registered and owned by Microsoft and cannot be assigned to any third party.
Typical uses of .skype domain
As a brand TLD, .skype domains are used exclusively by Microsoft for its Skype communications platform. The primary use cases are to enhance security and authenticity for users interacting with Skype services and to protect the Skype brand. Domains under this extension may be employed for official Skype websites, secure portals, or promotional materials, providing a verified and trusted online space directly associated with the Skype product.
Tips for registering .skype domain
- All .skype domains are the property of Microsoft and cannot be registered, purchased, or transferred by third parties.
- There is no public registration term, as the TLD is a closed brand registry for internal use only.
- The .skype Domain Management Policy defines internal rules for eligibility, allocation, and use, and is subject to change by Microsoft.
- Domain names in this registry cannot be assigned to external parties under any circumstances.
Frequently asked questions about .skype domain
Who operates .skype domain?
The registry for .skype domains is Microsoft, administered by Microsoft Corporation.
Who can register a .skype domain?
Registration is not available to the public. The .skype TLD is a closed brand registry owned and operated exclusively by Microsoft Corporation. Only Microsoft and its authorized affiliates are eligible to use domains under this extension for purposes related to the Skype platform. There are no provisions for external entities or individuals to apply for or acquire a .skype domain name.
Can I transfer a .skype domain between registrars?
Inter-registrar transfers are not applicable for .skype domains. Since all domains are owned and registered by Microsoft within its closed registry, they cannot be transferred to another registrar or to any third party. The .skype Domain Management Policy explicitly states that domains cannot be assigned to external parties, making any transfer process outside of Microsoft's internal management nonexistent.
Can I purchase a premium .skype domain name?
No, premium domain names are not available for purchase. The .skype registry does not operate a commercial marketplace. All domain names are allocated internally by Microsoft based on its operational and brand protection needs. There is no mechanism for the public to buy, auction, or reserve any .skype domain, regardless of its perceived value or desirability.
What dispute resolution policies apply to the .skype TLD?
Dispute resolution is governed by Microsoft's .skype Domain Management Policy, which is designed to protect the Skype brand and associated intellectual property. While the policy may incorporate ICANN consensus policies where appropriate, any disputes would be handled internally by Microsoft. Given the closed nature of the registry, public mechanisms like the UDRP are not typically relevant, as no third-party registrations exist.
Does Microsoft ever release expired .skype domains to the public?
No, .skype domains do not expire or become available for public registration. As permanent property of Microsoft, domains are not subject to standard registration lifecycles, renewal periods, or deletion schedules used in open TLDs. The registry is maintained for continuous internal use, and there is no process for domains to be released into the general domain aftermarket.