What is a blockchain domain?

Blockchain domains (also called Web3 domains, crypto domains, or NFT domains) are digital assets stored on the blockchain that you truly own. Unlike traditional domains that require annual renewal fees, blockchain domains are a one-time purchase with perpetual ownership.

Do I really never have to pay renewal fees?

Correct—zero renewal fees, ever. When you mint a domain from GotTLDs, you pay once (starting at $49 for most TLDs) and own it for life. There are no hidden fees, no annual charges, no surprise price increases.

Which blockchain are these domains on?

GotTLDs domains are built on Freename's enterprise blockchain infrastructure, which uses Polygon (an Ethereum Layer 2 solution) for fast, low-cost transactions.

Can I transfer or sell my domain later?

Absolutely! Your blockchain domain is an NFT, which means it's a fully transferable digital asset. You can sell it on NFT marketplaces, transfer it to another wallet, gift it to someone, or include it in your estate planning.

What's the difference between Web3 domains and traditional domains?

Web3 domains (blockchain domains) offer true ownership, no renewal fees, built-in crypto payments, censorship resistance, and transferability as NFTs. Traditional domains require annual renewals and can be suspended.

How do I buy my first Web3 domain?

1) Create a crypto wallet (MetaMask recommended), 2) Fund it with cryptocurrency or use card payment, 3) Search for available domains on GotTLDs, 4) Complete purchase - domain mints to your wallet as an NFT.

Are Web3 domains a good investment?

Historically, short premium Web3 domains have appreciated 300-500% annually. With no renewal fees and increasing Web3 adoption, they offer both utility and investment potential. Market performance varies by TLD and domain quality.

Why should our Fortune 500 company care about Web3 TLDs?

Strategic benefits include brand protection across emerging TLDs, innovation signaling to stakeholders, new revenue channels (NFTs, crypto payments), and regulatory compliance through blockchain's immutable audit trails.

Are Web3 domains legally recognized as property?

Yes - increasingly recognized globally. US UCC Article 12 (2022) treats NFTs as property. EU MiCA regulation (2024) recognizes crypto assets including NFT domains. Multiple court cases worldwide have enforced Web3 domain ownership rights.

Why do Web3 domain prices vary so much?

Pricing follows a value-based model based on: character length (shorter = more expensive), word type (dictionary words command premiums), TLD popularity, and market demand. Range: $20 for long-tail names to $100,000+ for single characters.

Are there any recurring fees or renewal costs?

No annual renewal fees for most Web3 TLDs including .pulse, .liveshop, .bidlive. One-time purchase = lifetime ownership. Only minimal gas fees ($1-10) apply when updating records.

How are Web3 domains stored and secured?

Web3 domains are NFTs stored on blockchain (Polygon/Ethereum). Security depends on your wallet: hardware wallets (Ledger/Trezor) offer maximum security, software wallets (MetaMask) provide convenience. You control private keys = you control the domain.

Can governments seize or censor Web3 domains?

Significantly harder than traditional domains. Governments cannot seize the domain NFT without private keys, delete on-chain ownership records, or prevent peer-to-peer transfers. However, they can block DNS bridges and target illegal content hosting.

What are gas fees and who pays them?

Gas fees are blockchain network transaction fees. On Polygon: $0.01-$0.50, Avalanche: $0.10-$2.00, Ethereum: $5-$50. Initial minting gas usually included in purchase price. You pay gas when updating records or transferring later.

Interconnected glowing cubes forming a complex network, symbolizing data flow, blockchain technology, or futuristic connections. 3D rendering

Complete Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Web3 TLDs — from beginner basics to enterprise strategy

35+

Questions

6

Jump to Your Topic

Find exactly what you're looking for in seconds

Getting Started

New to Web3 domains? Start here

Web3 vs Traditional

First Purchase Guide

Wallet Setup

Technical & Blockchain

Deep dive into the technology

Smart Contracts

Security & Storage

Integration Guide

Business & Investment

ROI, portfolio, and strategy

Investment Returns

Domain Valuation

Portfolio Strategy

Enterprise Solutions

Fortune 500 & corporate

Enterprise Strategy

Compliance

Bulk Pricing

Legal & Compliance

Regulations and rights

Property Rights

Trademark Issues

AML/KYC Requirements

Pricing & Economics

Costs, fees, and payments

Price Breakdown

Gas Fees Explained

Payment Options

Need More Help?

Live chat, email support, and 1-on-1 consultations available

< 2hr Response

24/7 Available

98% Satisfaction

Perfect for Beginners

Getting Started

New to Web3 domains? Start here with the basics

For Tech Enthusiasts

Technical & Blockchain

Deep dive into the technology powering Web3 domains

For Entrepreneurs & Investors

Business & Investment

Strategic insights for building value with Web3 domains

Multiple revenue streams are available for Web3 domain owners:

💰 1. Direct Sales

List premium domains on OpenSea, Rarible, or domain-specific marketplaces. Set your price or accept offers.

🏪 2. Lease/Rental

Rent domains to businesses monthly/annually using smart contracts. Retain ownership while generating passive income.

🎯 3. Subdomain Sales

Own "shop.pulse"? Sell subdomains like "fashion.shop.pulse" to niche businesses. Recurring revenue model.

🌐 4. Develop & Flip

Build a basic website/landing page on the domain, add traffic, then sell at premium. Increase value 5-10x.

⚠️ LEGAL WARNING - Trademark Infringement & Cybersquatting

DO NOT register domains containing trademarked brand names (Nike, Apple, Coca-Cola, etc.) with intent to sell to those companies. This is illegal cybersquatting under the ACPA (Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act) and can result in:

• Lawsuits and court orders to transfer the domain
• Statutory damages up to $100,000 per domain
• Legal fees and attorney costs
• UDRP proceedings forcing domain forfeiture

DISCLAIMER: We are not lawyers. This is not legal advice. Consult a trademark attorney before registering domains that may infringe on existing trademarks.

📊 Pro Tip: Focus on generic terms, creative brandable names, and legitimate business uses. Avoid trademarked terms unless you have explicit permission.

For Decision Makers

Enterprise & Fortune 500

Strategic domain decisions for large organizations

Compliance is critical for enterprises. Here's what legal/compliance teams need to know:

⚖️ Legal Landscape:

Property Rights: Web3 domains are legally recognized digital assets (case law varies by jurisdiction)
Trademark Protection: UDRP-like dispute resolution emerging for blockchain domains
Data Sovereignty: Decentralized nature may affect GDPR/CCPA compliance strategies
Tax Treatment: Consult advisors — domains may be capital assets or inventory depending on use
Securities Law: If monetizing subdomains as investments, SEC regulations may apply

⚠️ Due Diligence Required:

• Conduct IP audit before minting domains matching trademarks
• Review smart contract code for security vulnerabilities
• Ensure blockchain provider has SOC 2 Type II certification
• Implement multi-signature wallet custody for high-value domains

📋 Recommendation: Engage blockchain-savvy legal counsel. We can connect you with firms specializing in Web3 corporate law.

Enterprise Domain Management Strategy:

🏢 Organizational Structure Options:

1. Centralized Control (Recommended)

• IT/Legal holds master wallet with all domains
• Multi-signature approval (3-of-5 executives) for transfers
• Departments request subdomains for campaigns
• Single source of truth for IP management

2. Federated Model

• Each division owns relevant domains (Marketing, Sales, etc.)
• Corporate oversight via smart contract permissions
• Faster execution, higher risk

3. Hybrid Approach

• Core brand domains centralized (YourBrand.pulse)
• Campaign-specific domains federated (event2025.pulse)
• Best balance of control and agility

🔐 Access Control Best Practices:

• Use Gnosis Safe or similar multi-sig wallets
• Implement role-based permissions (view, propose, approve)
• Hardware wallet custody for C-suite approvers
• Annual audit of wallet access and key management

🛠️ Tools: We provide enterprise management dashboards with SAML/SSO integration for domain portfolio oversight.

For Risk & Legal Teams

Legal & Compliance

Navigate the regulatory landscape of Web3 domains

Trademark disputes with Web3 domains follow similar principles to traditional domains, with some key differences:

⚖️ Dispute Resolution:

Good Faith Registration: If you registered the domain before their trademark, and use it legitimately, you likely have rights.
Trademark Scope: Trademarks are industry-specific. "Apple.pulse" for a fruit company may not infringe Apple Inc.'s tech trademark.
Famous Mark Exception: Well-known marks (Nike, Coca-Cola) get broader protection. Avoid using these without permission.
Dispute Mechanisms: Web3 domain providers are developing UDRP-like arbitration systems for trademark conflicts.

✅ Likely Safe:

• Generic terms (shop.liveshop)
• Your personal/business name
• Registered before trademark
• Non-competing industry

⚠️ High Risk:

• Famous brand names
• Bad faith/squatting intent
• Confusingly similar to mark
• Used to sell competing goods

🛡️ Protection Strategy: Document your legitimate use case and registration date. Consult IP attorney if approached by trademark holder.

Short Answer: Significantly harder than traditional domains, but not impossible.

🔒 Censorship Resistance Factors:

What They CAN'T Do Easily:

• Can't seize the domain NFT without your private keys
• Can't delete on-chain ownership records
• Can't prevent peer-to-peer transfers
• Can't stop decentralized hosting (IPFS)

What They CAN Do:

• Block DNS bridges at ISP level (doesn't affect native Web3 browsers)
• Compel centralized hosting providers to take down content
• Prosecute individuals violating laws (domain ownership visible on blockchain)
• Pressure centralized exchanges to freeze wallets

Real-World Scenarios:

Copyright infringement: If hosting pirated content, governments can target hosting, but can't delete the domain itself.
Illegal activities: Domain ownership is public — authorities can identify and prosecute owners.
Sanctions: Specific wallets can be sanctioned (like Tornado Cash), affecting transferability.

🌐 Key Insight: Web3 domains separate content from ownership. They can take down your website, but they can't take away your domain — you remain the provable owner on the blockchain.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements vary by jurisdiction and transaction size:

🆔 Current Regulatory Landscape:

Primary Purchase (Minting)

Under $10,000: Generally no KYC required (wallet-only)
$10,000 - $50,000: Some platforms require basic KYC
Over $50,000: Enhanced KYC typically required (passport, proof of address)

Secondary Sales (NFT Marketplaces)

Peer-to-peer transfers: No KYC (but blockchain records are public)
Centralized marketplaces (OpenSea): KYC for high-value transactions
Cashing out to fiat: Full KYC required at exchanges

⚠️ Regulatory Trends:

• EU's MiCA (2024): NFT service providers must implement AML controls
• US FinCEN guidance: High-value NFT platforms may be "financial institutions"
• FATF recommendations: Countries tightening crypto asset oversight

📋 Our Approach: We comply with all applicable regulations. For enterprise clients and large purchases, we conduct appropriate due diligence in line with industry standards.

Web3 domains as digital assets require special consideration in estate planning:

🏛️ Estate Planning Strategies:

Include in Will: List domain wallet addresses and specify beneficiaries. Problem: Executor needs private keys.
Multi-Signature Wallet: Set up 2-of-3 multi-sig with executor as keyholder. They can access after your death with one other key.
Dead Man's Switch: Smart contract releases domains to heir's address if you don't check in for X months.
Trust Structure: Transfer domains to a trust with you as trustee during life, beneficiary inherits seamlessly.
Crypto Inheritance Services: Use services like Casa or Unchained Capital that facilitate estate transfer.

⚠️ Critical Warning:

If you die without sharing private keys, your domains are permanently inaccessible. Your heirs won't be able to recover them, even with a court order. Plan ahead!

📋 Recommended Documents:

• Updated will explicitly mentioning digital assets
• Secure location for seed phrases (safety deposit box)
• Letter of instruction for executor
• Durable power of attorney covering crypto assets

💼 Professional Guidance: Consult an estate attorney familiar with digital assets. Laws vary significantly by jurisdiction.

Two-Layer Answer: Domain ownership has minimal restrictions, but content hosting has legal limits.

🎯 Domain Ownership vs. Content:

✅ Domain Ownership (Permissionless)

You can mint any available domain name. No content review or approval process.

• Can own "controversial.pulse" — ownership isn't censored
• Smart contracts don't judge domain names
• Blockchain records all names equally

⚠️ Content Hosting (Subject to Laws)

What you host on your domain must comply with applicable laws:

• Illegal content (CSAM, terrorism) will result in prosecution
• Centralized hosts will comply with takedown requests
• Defamation, harassment have civil liability
• Phishing/scams violate fraud laws

🔍 Key Distinction:

• Blockchain layer: Permissionless — you own the domain name, period
• Content layer: Subject to laws — illegal content has consequences
• Hosting layer: Providers can refuse service for TOS violations

📜 Our Policy: We don't police domain names. However, we reserve the right to refuse service for domains used to facilitate illegal activities, as identified by law enforcement or court orders.

Cost & Value

Pricing & Economics

Understanding the financial aspects of Web3 domains

Web3 domain pricing follows a value-based model rather than flat-rate like traditional domains:

💰 Price Factors:

1. Character Length

Shorter = More expensive. "ai.pulse" costs more than "artificial-intelligence-news.pulse"

2. Word Type

Dictionary words, common terms, and brandable names command premium prices

3. TLD Popularity

High-demand TLDs (.pulse, .liveshop) have higher baseline prices than niche TLDs

4. Market Demand

Limited supply + high demand = premium pricing. Only one "shop.liveshop" exists!

📊 Price Range Examples:

1-character domain $10,000 - $100,000+

2-3 character domain $1,000 - $10,000

4-6 character premium word $200 - $2,000

7-10 character standard $50 - $300

11+ character long-tail $20 - $100

Refund Policy: Due to the nature of blockchain transactions, refunds are complex:

❌ Non-Refundable:

• After minting: Once the domain is minted to blockchain, transaction is irreversible
• Blockchain gas fees: Network fees are never refundable
• Changed your mind: Not a valid refund reason once minted

✅ Refund Eligible:

• Pre-mint cancellation: Within 24 hours before minting starts (full refund minus processing fees)
• Technical failure: If minting fails due to our error (full refund)
• Duplicate charge: Accidental double-billing (refund excess)

🔄 Alternative Options:

Sell on marketplace: List your domain on OpenSea, Rarible, or domain marketplaces
Domain exchange: Some platforms allow domain swaps
Hold as investment: Value may appreciate over time

💡 Advice: Research thoroughly and use our domain search tools to ensure you want the domain before purchasing. Treat it like buying property — it's a permanent decision!

Gas fees are blockchain network transaction fees paid to miners/validators to process your transaction.

⛽ Gas Fee Breakdown:

What Gas Fees Cover:

• Minting the domain NFT to blockchain
• Updating resolver records (pointing to website)
• Transferring domain to another wallet
• Creating subdomains (on-chain)

Typical Gas Fee Amounts:

Polygon Network:$0.01 - $0.50

Avalanche Network:$0.10 - $2.00

Ethereum Mainnet:$5.00 - $50.00

*Fees fluctuate based on network congestion

✅ Good News: We mint most domains on Polygon or Avalanche, keeping gas fees under $2 in most cases. Ethereum mainnet is reserved for ultra-premium domains only.

🔧 Who Pays Gas Fees?

• Initial minting: Usually included in purchase price (we pay it)
• Future updates: You pay when updating records or transferring
• Secondary sales: Seller pays transfer gas fee

Yes! We offer flexible payment options for premium domains and portfolio purchases:

💳 Financing Options:

1. Installment Plans

3-month plan: Available for purchases $500+
6-month plan: Available for purchases $2,000+
12-month plan: Available for purchases $5,000+

*Domain held in escrow until final payment. Small interest rate (5-10% APR).

2. Crypto Lending (DeFi)

Use existing crypto as collateral for instant loan
Borrow USDT/USDC, buy domain immediately
Repay loan on your schedule

Partners: Aave, Compound, NFTfi. We can facilitate connections.

3. Enterprise Terms (B2B)

Net-30, Net-60, Net-90 payment terms
Available for corporate accounts $10,000+
Credit approval required

Apply via our enterprise sales team.

⚡ No Credit Check Required: Unlike traditional financing, crypto-based payment plans don't require credit checks. Approval based on down payment and domain value.

Still Have Questions?

Can't Find Your Answer?

Our expert team is here to help. Whether you're a first-time buyer or Fortune 500 CTO, we've got you covered.

Support powered by Freename.io, our trusted blockchain infrastructure partner

Live Chat Support

Get instant answers from our team

Email Support

Response within 24 hours

Book Consultation

1-on-1 expert guidance

< 2hrs

Avg Response Time

98%

Satisfaction Rate

24/7

Support Available

Frequently Asked Questions

Jump to Your Topic

Getting Started

Technical & Blockchain

Business & Investment

Enterprise Solutions

Legal & Compliance

Pricing & Economics

Need More Help?

Getting Started

Traditional Domains

Web3 TLDs

💰 What Affects Pricing:

Technical & Blockchain

ENS (.eth)

Our TLDs

🔒 Security Features:

Business & Investment

📈 Investment Thesis:

💰 1. Direct Sales

🏪 2. Lease/Rental

🎯 3. Subdomain Sales

🌐 4. Develop & Flip

🔥 High Value Traits:

📉 Lower Value Traits:

💎 Premium Examples:

🎯 Hybrid Strategy (Recommended):

💳 NFT-Backed Lending Platforms:

🚀 Short-Term (3-12 months)

📈 Medium-Term (1-3 years)

💎 Long-Term (3-10 years)

Enterprise & Fortune 500

🎯 Business Case for Enterprises:

1. Brand Protection

2. Innovation Signaling

3. New Revenue Channels

4. Regulatory Compliance

🔧 Integration Approaches:

🏗️ Enterprise Tech Stack Example:

⚖️ Legal Landscape:

💰 Cost Considerations:

🏢 Organizational Structure Options:

1. Centralized Control (Recommended)

2. Federated Model

3. Hybrid Approach

🔐 Access Control Best Practices:

💎 Enterprise Tiers:

Legal & Compliance

📜 Current Legal Framework:

⚖️ Dispute Resolution:

✅ Likely Safe:

⚠️ High Risk:

🔒 Censorship Resistance Factors:

What They CAN'T Do Easily:

What They CAN Do:

🆔 Current Regulatory Landscape:

Primary Purchase (Minting)

Secondary Sales (NFT Marketplaces)

🏛️ Estate Planning Strategies:

📋 Recommended Documents:

🎯 Domain Ownership vs. Content:

✅ Domain Ownership (Permissionless)

⚠️ Content Hosting (Subject to Laws)

Pricing & Economics

💰 Price Factors:

1. Character Length

2. Word Type

3. TLD Popularity

4. Market Demand

📊 Price Range Examples:

✅ No Renewal Fees:

📋 Potential Costs:

💳 Payment Options:

Cryptocurrency (Direct)

Traditional Payments (via Freename)

❌ Non-Refundable:

✅ Refund Eligible:

🔄 Alternative Options:

⛽ Gas Fee Breakdown:

What Gas Fees Cover: