Registration of internet domain names under Finland's top level root "fi" is administrated by the Telecommunications Administration Centre (TAC). Today there are around 5000 registered domain names and approximately 3500-4500 new domain names will be registered during 1997.
REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION OF A DOMAIN NAME
The right to register a domain name is given only to entities and foreign branch offices registered in the trade register. The domain name shall be based on the applicant's registered name. This rule also means that for example a company may only have one registered domain name. For a significant reason the TAC may grant exemptions to this rule. If there are several applications for one name, the name is given to the applicant who has first filed his application.
The domain name shall be exclusive and unique and shall identify the holder of the name. A domain name may not infringe or be confusingly similar with a third party's name, company name, trade mark, copyrighted work or any other similar protected subject or name. Further a domain name may not be against good practice or misleading. Accordingly, in Finland, a web site like www.windows95.com, which is not affiliated with Microsoft, would probably not be permitted.
An applicant must be able to show that he has the technical equipment required to access the internet and set up a web site in order to be able to register the name. This rule means that it is not possible to register a name with the intention of possibly using it in the future.
Permission from the TAC must be sought in order to transfer a domain name. A domain name may be cancelled if it is used wrongfully.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
