Kovalent is a specialist domain name registrar. We provide services to register domain names that includes brand protection and platform assurances. In practice this means that we are much more involved with your domain name registrations than other registrars and converse directly with clients to discuss their brand management needs. We also manually apply requested updates to ensure that domain names cannot be accidentally left to expire, be cancelled, stolen via phishing or other side channel attacks as well as ensure that DNS updates are applied in a way that will not interrupt any existing business services. Kovalent is a registrar for businesses that are serious about their internet presence.
This page serves a the primary reference point covering our domain name registration and brand protection services including the general terms of service, pricing models, dispute procedures and abuse reporting.
Terms of Service
These terms and conditions govern the registration and use of domain names through our domain registration and reseller services. By using our services, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.
We are a registrar and reseller of domain names. We facilitate the registration of domain names on behalf of our customers. By registering a domain name through our services, you agree to our terms and conditions as well as the terms and conditions of the relevant domain name registry.
Access to services
Our domain name registration services, like all services offered by Kovalent, are only available to direct clients who have entered into and signed a contract with Kovalent. These contracts cover specific terms on pricing, support cover and scope of services which may supersede any public terms and conditions. Please read your individually scoped terms and conditions in your contracts for any ammendments.
Service support
We strive to provide prompt and efficient customer service to all our customers. Our customer service team is available during business hours to answer your questions and provide assistance with any issues related to domain name registration and reseller services. We aim to respond to all customer inquiries within 24 hours of receipt during business hours. Business hours are defined as Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, excluding public holidays in our jurisdiction. Please note that response times may vary depending on the complexity of your inquiry and the volume of customer inquiries we receive. Your contract with Kovalent will specify additional terms for localisation including additional timezones your support cover will be available.
Domain name availability
We make no guarantees that the domain name you seek to register will be available for registration. We are not responsible for any failure to register a domain name.
Registration fees
Kovalent offers a unique pricing and fee structure for registrations. Domain name registrations are charged at the upstream registrar base price but includes required support and management time. For example, a domain name registration price can be calculated per year by adding the upstream cost of the registration at the registry with X minutes of support time per year along with Y minutes per year of brand protection support. The time per domain and hourly rate is detailed in your client contract.
Fees for domain name registration and renewal are non-refundable. We reserve the right to change our fees at any time. In the event of base upstream registration cost adjustments you will be given as much notice as possible of any changes. Other cost changes to the support services will be negotiated contractually.
Domain renewals
By default all domains registered by Kovalent on behalf of a client will be automatically renewed while a contract for their registration is in place and active. We will send you reminders in advance if your contract is about to expire and in advance of your domain name expiry date. It is your responsibility to make sure that your domain name registrations are covered by a valid service and registration contract.
Domain transfers
If you wish to transfer your domain name registration to another registrar you may do so by following the applicable procedures of the relevant domain name registry. We will provide you with the necessary information to initiate a transfer. We are not responsible for any failure to complete a transfer. Manual transfer support is included with your support contract and you may request assistance with either inbound (to Kovalent) or outbound (away from Kovalent) domain transfers. For outbound transfers Kovalent may request additional security information to approve the transfer under the brand protection services we offer. Kovalent does not charge for outbound transfers. Depending on the upstream registrar and domain being transferred there may be inbound or outbound transfer fees which Kovalent will pass onto the client.
Domain name expiration
If you fail to renew your contract for services that includes a domain name registration before its expiration date, your domain name may be placed on hold or deleted by the relevant domain name registry. We are not responsible for any loss or damages resulting from the expiration or deletion of your domain name. We will make reasonable efforts to notify you in advance of your domain name's expiration date, but you are solely responsible for ensuring that your domain name registration is renewed in a timely manner. If your domain name is placed on hold or deleted, you may be able to recover it within a certain grace period, depending on the policies of the relevant domain name registry. If you wish to recover a domain name that has been placed on hold or deleted, you may be required to pay additional fees or comply with additional requirements imposed by the relevant domain name registry. We will provide you with information about the recovery process, but we are not responsible for any costs or consequences associated with the recovery of your domain name.
Dispute resolution
Kovalent will not be involved in any disputes between you and any third party regarding domain name registrations. You agree to resolve any such disputes in accordance with the dispute resolution policies of the relevant domain name registry. Kovalent can provide advice and guidance on procedures but will not be directly involved in third party disputes.
Limitation of Liability
We will not be liable for any damages, including without limitation, direct or indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages, arising out of or in connection with the use of our domain registration and reseller services.
Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from any claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, arising out of or in connection with the use of our domain registration and reseller services.
Governing Law
These terms and conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which we are located. Any disputes arising out of or in connection with these terms and conditions shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in that jurisdiction.
Modification
We reserve the right to modify these terms and conditions at any time. You should review these terms and conditions periodically. Your continued use of our domain registration and reseller services constitutes your acceptance of any modifications to these terms and conditions.
Entire agreement
These terms and conditions constitute the entire agreement between you and us regarding the use of our domain registration and reseller services with the exception of any specific ammendments present in your individual contract. If any provision of these terms and conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
Complaints and abuse
If you have a complaint about our domain registration and reseller services we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible. You can make a complaint by sending an email to our customer service team at domains.abuse@kovalent.systems. Please include the URL of the relevant domain name(s) in your complaint to help us identify the issue. We take all complaints seriously and will investigate and respond to your complaint in a timely and professional manner. If you are not satisfied with our response to your complaint you may have the option to escalate your complaint to a relevant dispute resolution body, depending on the policies of the relevant domain name registry. We will provide you with information about the relevant dispute resolution procedures if applicable.
Contact
If you wish to contact Kovalent regarding our domain name registration services you can use the following details. Email is preferred and the fastest way to contact Kovalent.