Conflicted Name Process Overview
The Conflicted Names Process (CNP) was created to give all parties that had a similar third-level domain name (such as anyname.co.nz and anyname.net.nz) the same right to register the shorter version of their domain name for example, anyname.nz.
The conflicted name process started in 2014, some key milestones to date are listed below.
What is a Conflicted Domain Name (or blocked name)?
In 2014 the .nz domain name space released registrations directly at the second level, meaning more choice in .nz domain names. For example, you could get ‘anyname.nz’ and didn’t need to first have, say, a ‘co’ or ‘org’ as in anyname.co.nz or anyname.org.nz.
If there was more than one existing .nz domain name registered before a cut-off date (such as anyname.co.nz and anyname.net.nz), then we gave both the registrants rights to the new shorter version of the domain name.
We have a history of the work we have done over the years below, and will continue to work on reducing the numbers of conflicted domain names.
In 2022 we offered free Online Dispute Resolution for parties who wanted to resolve conflicted domain names. We will be publishing a summary of this pilot shortly.
If you still have rights to a conflicted name, or want to register one, we have resources below that will be able to assist.
How to change my preference
If you want detailed instructions on how to change your preference, click the link.
How to register a resolved domain name
If you have received an email advising you that you now have rights to register a previously Conflicted Domain Name and would like more information click here
Key Dates Conflicted Names Process
1
30 March 2015:
Preferential rights period concludes (parties were required to reserve or register prior to this date)
2
30 March 2017
Reserved names that were not registered, were released for registration
3
31 March 2017
Change were made to .nz policy that allowing DNCL to resolve self-conflicted domain names.
4
18 October 2017:
Was the deadline for eligible parties to lodge their preference.
5
27 October 2017:
Eligible parties that had not lodged their preference were removed from the conflict set
6
28 March 2022
DNCL launched its Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) pilot offering free mediation and e-negotiation to resolve conflicted names for 2 party sets.
7
30 November 2022
Online Dispute Resolution Pilot for conflicted domain names concluded.
Conflicted Domain Names FAQ
How do you change your preference for a conflicted domain name?
To learn how to change your preference, click here.
The other party doesn’t appear to be using their conflicted .nz domain name. Why can’t I automatically get the shorter name?
In the .nz domain name space, registrants are under no obligation to ‘use’ a domain name they’ve registered - e.g. for a website or email address. This includes those involved in a conflict set.
Until a conflicted name is resolved – that is, when all those involved have lodged their preference at www.dnc.org.nz for who should get the shorter name – it will be unavailable for registration or use.
I hold a trade mark registration in my name, why can’t I get the conflicted name automatically?
Within the .nz domain name space, no preference is given to people who have rights in a name (such as a company or trademark owner).
However, anyone who believes they have rights to a .nz domain name that someone else has registered can use the free-to-file Dispute Resolution Service (DRS). Information about this service can be found here.
Who implements the agreed change of preference or a transfer of a domain name?
The parties are responsible for fulfilling the agreed outcomes. The party responsible for transferring will need to transfer the domain name to the other party. If you want to learn more about transferring domain name registrations, read our guide here. If an agreement provides for a change of preference, learn how to do so here.