Who Should Own the Domain Name Ethiopia.com?

Nowadays, the Web has become a primary source of information whether you are looking for information on science, travel, health, sports, politics or any other topic. For instance, if you are planning to visit a country you will certainly use the web to get all the information you need about your destination. Direct type-in is often used in this kind of situation. Direct type-in is when the user types the domain directly into her browser, such as typing “www.ethiopia.com”. As a result, the advantage of owning a country-based domain for institutions or businesses in the tourism industry is of paramount importance. The Ethiopian Tourism Commission could benefit highly from a country-based domain to draw tourists in our country by providing up-to-date and relevant information on Ethiopia. Who own www.ethiopia.com? Is it possible for Ethiopia to benefit from this domain?

Some domain names are initially registered because they are popular words or phrases being typed into search engines, or because they have great brand potential. Domain names are valuable real estate; they are your location on the web. People type variations of a word or business name automatically assuming that they will find the information they are seeking. Similar to real states some domain names are investments. Domain values increase sometimes dramatically – based on market conditions. Organizations, large companies and domain “unlawful tenants” snatched a lot of the catchy “real state” years ago.
Reflex Publishing Inc., a private company registered in the United States, owns the domain name ethiopia.com. The Website ethiopia.com provides links to travel and tours sites on Africa and particularly on Ethiopia. All links from the home page lead to sponsored links. The site doesn’t provide relevant, up-to-date and useful information on Ethiopia. An Ethiopian Institution could have certainly made a good use of the website if it could acquire the domain name ownership and maintain the site regularly. Can an Ethiopian public or private organization claim the ownership of such a valuable URL? How and at what cost?

The government of South Africa lost a litigation to reclaim the domain name southafrica.com against US firm Virtual countries Inc, which registered southafrica.com, as well as 33 other geographic names as Internet addresses in 1995. The company uses soutafrica.com as an information site for tourism and business. Virtual countries Inc. has demanded between 5 and 10 million USD for the domain name and recently sold the rights to korea.com, for 5 million USD.

During the tech boom, top-selling domains were based on brand appeal. Now it’s all about searchable keywords that are both generic and descriptive. Growth in online advertising and the shrinking pool of available domain names are pushing URL price tags to new heights. The five most expensive web addresses to-date were sold in millions. Sex.com broke the eight-figured barrier in 2005 by napping 12 million USD. Porn.com came next, at 9.5 million USD, followed by Business.com (7.5 million USD), Diamond.com (7.5 million USD) and Beer.com (7.5 million USD).

The current trend in the URL price and the present laws on domain name ownership do not encourage anyone to claim ethiopia.com.

In a fair and just world, the legitimate owner of www.ethiopia.com would have been an Ethiopian organization. The recent failed attempt of South Africa to possess southafrica.com shows that we will not be able to transfer the ownership of ethiopia.com to our country. Nevertheless, I don’t see any sign from institutions in Ethiopia to make use such kind of domain. For instance, to-date www.ethiopia.com.et is still available. Lack of interest or lack of awareness?

ICT Focus Magazine, September-October 2007 Issue