Premium Domains for Startups Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction

NicNames, Inc., a U.S. Delaware Corporation (EIN 92-2207493), in partnership with various domain name registries, offers startups the exclusive opportunity to register both premium and regular domain names, approved by NicNames, for free for the first year. This offer is designed to help startups establish a strong online presence with a valuable domain name at no initial cost. By applying for and using a domain through this offer, startups agree to the following terms and conditions.

2. Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a free domain, startups must meet one of the following criteria and provide supporting documentation:

2.1 General Eligibility

• The startup must be an incorporated entity.
• The startup must possess a pitch deck indicating active fundraising efforts.
• The startup must have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), a working website, or a beta product.
• The startup must commit to using the domain as the primary domain for the duration of the domain's lifecycle.

2.2 Accelerator Program

• The startup must be an incorporated entity.
• The startup must be accepted into a recognized accelerator program.
• The startup must provide email confirmation from the accelerator verifying participation and commitment to using the domain as the primary domain.

2.3 Funded Startups

• The startup must be an incorporated entity.
• The startup must have received verifiable initial funding.
• The startup must commit to using the domain as the primary domain.

3. Application and Approval Process

• Startups must complete the application form provided by NicNames, Inc. and submit all required documentation.
• NicNames, Inc. will review and verify each application within 5 business days.
• Approval of an application is not guaranteed and is subject to the discretion of NicNames, Inc.
• Startups that are not approved may contact NicNames, Inc. support to request a discount on domain registration.

4. Domain Usage, Renewal, Reseller Discounts, and Transfer Conditions

• Approved startups may receive one domain (premium or regular) free of charge for the first year.
• Startups that wish to continue using the domain after the first year must renew it at the standard renewal rate or contact NicNames, Inc. support to request a discount for the following year.
• The domain must be used as the startup's primary domain throughout its lifecycle.
• After submitting the application for a free domain, startups will receive an email containing an 85% discount on NicNames, Inc.'s annual reseller packages, valid for the first year only. This discount is exclusively for the reseller package and does not apply to domain name registrations or other services. Additional discounts for the following year may be provided based on eligibility.
• The benefits provided under this agreement, including free first-year registration, are non-transferable and cannot be assigned to another entity or individual without prior written consent from NicNames, Inc.

5. Domain Name Transfers and Ownership Changes

• Domain name transfers or changes in ownership are only permitted after the domain has been renewed at the regular price through NicNames.com.
• The first year of domain registration is free, but if the startup decides to transfer the domain or change its ownership, they must first renew the domain at the regular rate before proceeding with these changes.
• The startup is required to use the domain as the primary domain name for their project. If the startup fails to use the domain as the primary domain, NicNames, Inc. and its partners reserve the right to charge the startup for the first year of the domain registration that was initially provided for free. NicNames, Inc. or domain name registry may verify primary domain usage at any time, and startups will be notified of any non-compliance with a 15-day grace period to correct the issue before charges are applied.

6. Compliance and Termination

• NicNames, Inc. may review the startup's compliance with these terms at any time.
• If a startup is found to no longer meet the eligibility criteria or is in breach of these terms, NicNames, Inc. may reclaim the domain without notice.
• This agreement may be terminated by either party with 30 days' written notice for convenience. NicNames, Inc. reserves the right to terminate this agreement immediately for cause, including but not limited to fraud, misuse of the domain, or violation of these terms and conditions.
• In the event of termination, NicNames, Inc. will provide reasonable transition assistance.

7. Confidentiality and Data Protection

• All information submitted by startups will be treated as confidential and used solely for the purpose of evaluating and processing the domain application. NicNames, Inc. is also committed to protecting all data exchanged during the course of this agreement. In the event of a data breach, NicNames, Inc. will notify the affected startup within 72 hours of discovering the breach.
• NicNames, Inc. is committed to protecting the privacy and data of all applicants. Information will not be shared with third parties without consent, except as required by law and with a domain name registry for the purpose of evaluating and processing the domain application.

8. Limitation of Liability

• To the fullest extent permitted by law, NicNames, Inc.'s liability under this agreement shall be limited to direct damages up to the amount of fees paid by the startup during the first year. NicNames, Inc. shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including but not limited to lost profits or business interruption.

9. Dispute Resolution

• Any disputes arising from this offer will first be attempted to be resolved through mediation in Wilmington, Delaware, under the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA). If mediation fails, disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration under the rules of the AAA. The arbitration shall be conducted in English with one arbitrator, and the decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding.

10. Force Majeure

• Neither party shall be liable for any delay or failure in performance due to causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, war, terrorism, government regulations, or labor strikes.

11. Miscellaneous

• This offer is governed by the laws of Delaware, USA.
• All notices required or permitted under this agreement shall be in writing and deemed effective upon receipt if delivered by email with confirmation of receipt, certified mail, or an internationally recognized courier service. Notices should be sent to NicNames, Inc. at the following address: NicNames, Inc., ATTN: LEGAL, 131 Continental Dr, Suite 301, Newark, DE 19713, or by fax to +1 (302) 440-1441.
• These terms may be amended by NicNames, Inc. at any time. Notice of amendments will be provided to all affected parties.
• This agreement does not create a partnership, joint venture, or agency relationship, nor does it create any fiduciary duties between the parties. Neither party shall have any right, power, or authority to enter into any agreement or undertaking for, or act on behalf of, or to act as or be an agent or representative of, or to otherwise bind, the other party.

By applying for and using a domain through this offer, startups agree to comply with these terms and conditions.