The public consultation of the proposed changes is closed

From 12 July to 12 August 2023, a public consultation was held on the proposed changes to the .LV policy and other .LV domain name documents. During that time, we answered questions, gathered and implemented proposals from registrars, domain name holders, and state institutions. Thank you all for the active participation in this public consultation.

Reminder: the upcoming changes will:

• Provide an alternative out-of-court dispute resolution procedure;
  
• Increase the domain name’s price;
  
• Introduce global protective blocking “GlobalBlock”.
  

After reviewing the received suggestions and comments, we have decided to:

• Give our registrars some additional time to prepare for the upcoming .LV domain name price change. The new price for our registrars will come into effect on 1 November;
  
• Offer our registrars the capability to register and renew .LV domain names for multiple years;
  
• Make corrections to the Rules for .LV Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy;
  
• Make corrections to the .LV Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy;
• Clarify clause 1.13 in the Policy for acquisition of the right to use domain names under the top-level domain .LV.
  

The proposed changes will enter into force on 1 September 2023 and will not affect the usage period of the pre-paid .LV domain names.

FROM 1 SEPTEMBER THE FOLLOWING WILL COME INTO FORCE:

• Amendments: Policy for acquisition of the right to use domain names under the top-level domain .LV. Amendments in Clauses 1.4., 1.13., 1.15., 2.1., 5.4., 5.7., 8.5., 9.2., 9.4., 12.3., 13.4., 14.2.6., 14.10, 15.1.2, 15.1.3;
  
• Amendments: The Price list and payment policy of NIC.LV. Amendments in Clause 2.
  
• New policy: .LV Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy;
  
• New policy: Rules for .LV Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy.
  

What does that mean for .LV domain name holders?

The upcoming changes will:

Add a new dispute resolution option - an alternative out-of-court dispute resolution procedure for resolving disputes without resorting to the court system. As a result, the parties involved will be able to reach a solution more quickly. Before these changes, all the disputes regarding the use of .LV domain names would be heard in general jurisdiction or arbitration courts. The out-of-court alternative dispute resolution procedure will be available after the approval of a service provider with expertise in resolving domain name and intellectual property rights disputes.

Change the price of .LV domain names – Starting from 1 September 2023, the prepayment invoice for the renewal and registration of a .LV domain name will be issued according to the new NIC.LV price list. For more information please visit - https://www.nic.lv/en/lv-domain-name-price-increase

Introduce GlobalBlock - a new service that protects trademark holders’ interests in various country code and generic top-level domains. As soon as the service is implemented, we will announce it.

What if I don’t agree with these changes?

If you are not satisfied with the changes in the .LV policy and other related documents, you can cancel your right to use the .LV domain name by terminating the contract before the new .LV policy comes into force.

In order to terminate the contract, you must fill in and sign the cancellation request. For more information please visit - https://www.nic.lv/en/application-forms

In case of questions, please contact us by writing to dns@nic.lv or calling +371 67085858.