Ten things you probably didn’t know about domain names
1. The world’s longest domain name
Domain names (for example, the “SESL” in www.sesl.com.au) are allowed to be no longer than 63 characters. The page at http://www.llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwyll-llantysiliogogogoch.com/ claims this domain name to be the longest, at 60 characters. This page promotes the Welsh town of the same name.
2. The world’s shortest domain name
Google China owns the shortest Internet domain name: http://www.g.cn/. This name helps Chinese users easily locate Google.
3. The highest price paid for a domain name
People throughout the world have cashed in on the dot-com era, many earning a laudable amount with very little input. In January 2006, Reuters announced that sex.com was sold to Escom LLC for US$14 million, making it the most expensive domain name purchased to date.
4. The first domain name to ever be registered
On 15 March 1985 the first registered domain name came into existence – symbolics.com – which is still in existence today (although it has changed hands).
5. What is the shortest dot com name that I may register?
All domain names must be a minimum of three characters in length.
6. Domain names in Australia
Before Internet domain names were formalised, Australian domain names ended in the suffix .oz.
7. Is it possible to buy a three-character domain name?
Yes. Many unlikely combinations appear to be untaken. Try m9v.com.
8. What domain names have the highest registration rates?
Those registered as .com.cn (for China).
9. If I own a trademark does that entitle me to the rights of the domain name?
Yes, although you don’t need a trademark to get a domain name. However, people have to be careful with trademarks. For instance, Ian Tunes, who registered “itunes” before Apple created iTunes, was entitled to keep the domain name for life, as he was the first to register it, but because Apple was making offer after offer and giving him a lot of hassle to get this name, one day he got fed up and redirected his domain itunes.co.uk to Napster (biggest iTunes competitor at that time). From that point, he breached Apple’s iTunes copyright and lost the domain name (instead of making a million by accepting the original deal). (SESL can’t verify the accuracy of this story, but it’s a good parable.)
10. How can I register a domain?
For a list of over 30 domain name registrars in Australia go to http://www.ausregistry.com.au/registrars.php.
Source
http://www.articlesnatch.com/ (with modifications)