About .taobao domain
The .taobao domain is a brand gTLD (generic Top-Level Domain) operated by Alibaba Group Holding Limited through its designated registry service provider, Neustar. It was delegated to the DNS root zone in January 2016 as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program. This extension was established primarily as a "single registrant TLD," meaning the registry operator maintains exclusive control over all registrations for its own use.
Who can register .taobao domain
Registration of .taobao domains is not open to the general public. This TLD operates as a single-registrant, closed brand TLD. Only Alibaba Group Holding Limited, the applicant and registry operator, and its designated affiliates are entitled to register domain names within this extension. No third-party registrations are permitted.
How to register .taobao domain
This TLD is not allocated through commercial registrars or a public registration process. Domain names within .taobao are allocated exclusively by Alibaba Group Holding Limited for its own internal use. The registry operator determines which specific domains are registered, to which of its entities they are delegated, and how they are used. There is no public application or purchase process for this extension.
Typical uses of .taobao domain
The .taobao TLD is used exclusively by Alibaba Group and its affiliates to support and protect its core "Taobao" brand online. It serves as a secure, branded namespace for the company's e-commerce platforms, services, and related digital initiatives. This allows for controlled, brand-coherent web addresses that reinforce trust and direct users to official properties, distinguishing them from third-party sites.
Tips for registering .taobao domain
- This is a closed brand TLD; domains are not available for purchase or registration by the public.
- All domain registrations are held and maintained solely by the registry operator, Alibaba Group.
- The registry does not sell, distribute, or transfer control of any .taobao domains to unaffiliated third parties.
Frequently asked questions about .taobao domain
Who operates .taobao domain?
The registry for .taobao domains is Alibaba, administered by Alibaba Group Holding Limited.
Who can register a .taobao domain?
Only Alibaba Group Holding Limited and its approved affiliates are eligible to hold .taobao domain names. This is a strictly closed registry established to protect the Taobao brand, so there is no public registration process. Businesses, individuals, or partners cannot apply for or purchase these domains through any registrar.
Can I transfer a .taobao domain between registrars?
Inter-registrar transfers are not applicable for the .taobao extension, as all domains are registered to and controlled by a single entity—the registry operator. Domain management, including any internal reassignments between Alibaba Group affiliates, is handled entirely within the registry's closed system and not through standard transfer protocols available for open TLDs.
What is a single-registrant TLD?
A single-registrant TLD is one where all domain name registrations are registered to and maintained by the registry operator for its own exclusive use. The registry does not sell or transfer control of any registrations to third parties that are not its affiliates. The .taobao TLD was implemented under this model to give Alibaba Group complete control over its branded namespace.
Can I use a .taobao domain for my online store?
No, you cannot use a .taobao domain for a personal or commercial online store. This TLD is a proprietary asset of Alibaba Group and is reserved for its internal use. Any websites using this extension are official properties of the Taobao brand and its related services, operated directly by the company or its designated affiliates.
How does Alibaba Group use .taobao domains?
Alibaba Group uses .taobao domains to create a secure and branded online ecosystem for its e-commerce platforms and digital services. The domains likely point to official service portals, promotional campaigns, or internal tools, ensuring users are directed to authentic sites. This controlled use helps prevent brand dilution and phishing attempts associated with its well-known Taobao marketplace.