Reserved and prohibited .al names
Not every name that looks free can be registered. The AKEP regulation and trademark rights restrict some names. Here is how to recognise them and what to do.
Why some names cannot be registered
.al domains are subject to the regulation of AKEP (the Electronic and Postal Communications Authority), which binds both the registrar and the client. Besides the requirement for identification documents, the regulation sets out that some names cannot be freely registered by anyone. They fall into three groups:
| Group | What it covers | Who can register it |
|---|---|---|
| Prohibited names | Names considered unsuitable for public use | No one |
| Reserved names | Names with sensitive public use | Not ordinary registrants |
| Registered trademarks and patents | Names that exactly match an approved trademark or patent | Only the trademark or patent holder |
The list of prohibited names
Under the AKEP regulation there is a list of names that may not be registered under .al because they are considered unsuitable for public use. If the name you have chosen is on this list, it cannot be registered, whatever documents you provide.
We suggest checking the name before you buy a .al domain, especially if it contains words that could be seen as offensive or inappropriate.
The list of reserved names
The regulation also contains a list of reserved names. These are names with sensitive public use and for that reason they are not given to ordinary registrants. It is worth reviewing this list as well before you proceed with registration.
The practical difference from the prohibited list is that a reserved name is not unsuitable in itself; it is simply held for a particular use. If you believe you are the entity such a name belongs to, read the section below.
Trademarks registered with the GDIP
Before registering a .al domain, you should check the website of the General Directorate of Industrial Property (GDIP, known in Albanian as DPPI) to make sure the name is not a registered trademark or patent. Approved trademark and patent names that exactly match a domain name under .al are reserved for their holders and cannot be registered by anyone else.
If you are the trademark holder, this rule protects you. Read more in brand protection with a .al domain.
When a search says "cannot be registered"
When you search for a name at UpFlare, you may see the message that it cannot be registered: reserved or not allowed by the registry. This does not mean someone else owns the name; it means the name falls under one of the restrictions above.
This message is different from the case where the name is simply already registered. For a taken name you can check the public data in the .al WHOIS guide or with the WHOIS lookup.
What to do if the name is not allowed
- Choose another name. Add a word that describes your activity, city or product. Practical tips are in how to choose a domain name.
- Try close variants. A fuller or more specific form of the name is often free.
- If you are the rightful holder, for example the owner of the registered trademark or the institution the name belongs to, open a support ticket with the name and the documents that prove it. The team will tell you whether and how you can proceed.
Keep in mind that every .al domain application is approved by AKEP. If the application is not approved, your payment is refunded; if it is approved, no refund is issued. This protects you if a name turns out to be invalid after you order it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between prohibited and reserved .al names?
Why does the search say a name cannot be registered?
I own the trademark. Can I register the name?
Do I get my money back if AKEP does not approve the name?
Find a name that is allowed
Search the name and see right away whether it is free and allowed for registration.