Auction Rules & Standards

1.1 Who May Bid

• Corporations, funds, media groups, or individuals acting with corporate authorization.
• Agents may bid for principals with a signed authority letter on file.

1.2 Account Creation

• Submit Bidder Verification with legal entity name, primary contact, and email/phone.
• Agree to these Rules & Standards as a condition of participation.

1.3 Proof of Funds (POF)

• Bank letter or custodian statement dated within 30 days; or irrevocable credit line confirmation.
• POF may be required prior to portfolio list access and is required prior to bidding.

1.4 Confidentiality

• Detailed portfolio lists and diligence materials are shared under NDA and buyer verification.
• No redistribution, scraping, or publication of materials.

2.1 Portfolio-Only, Single Winner

• Lots are curated portfolio sets sold as a single transaction to one winner per category.
• No splitting or cherry-picking of names during the auction.

2.2 Pre-Offer Window

• Qualified buyers may submit sealed pre-offers before the live auction date.
• If a pre-offer is accepted, the live auction for that lot may be canceled.

2.3 Bidding Mechanics

• Live bidding conducted online; increments announced per lot (or displayed in interface).
• Reserve prices may apply; Association may bid on behalf of the reserve.
• Tie bids: first timestamped bid at the highest amount prevails.
• Extension/Anti-Sniping: bids in the final minutes may extend the lot by a fixed interval.

4.1 Buyer’s Premium & Fees

• Unless stated otherwise in the lot brief, a Buyer’s Premium (0–10%) may apply.
• All wire, escrow, and transfer fees are borne by the buyer unless noted.

4.2 Payment Timelines

• Winning bidder pays a non-refundable deposit within 2 business days of award.
• Balance due within 7–10 business days via bank wire to the designated escrow.

4.3 Escrow & Custody

• Transactions close through a recognized escrow provider or law-firm trust account.
• Escrow instructions define asset list, milestones, timelines, and release conditions.

4.4 Default & Remedies

• Failure to perform may result in forfeiture of deposit, buyer suspension, and relisting of the lot.
• The Association may pursue additional remedies permitted by law.

5.1 Asset Scope

• Domains listed in the portfolio schedule (e.g., .com, .org, ccTLDs as specified).
• Where applicable: trademarks, logo files, brand guides, and content rights as stated in the lot brief.

5.2 Due Diligence

• Ownership verification and WHOIS confirmation are provided to verified buyers under NDA.
• Buyer is responsible for legal, regulatory, and trademark clearance in target markets.

5.3 Transfer

• Registrar push or inter-registrar transfer per ICANN rules; buyer provides receiving registrar details.
• Transfer is supervised by the Association and/or escrow; assets release upon cleared funds.

5.4 Warranties

• Seller warrants authority to transfer listed assets; otherwise assets are sold “as-is”.
• No promise of future performance, traffic, rankings, or revenue unless explicitly stated.

Do you allow brokers?

Yes. Brokers must be disclosed and authorized; commissions are handled pursuant to written agreement.

Are reserves public?

Reserves may be undisclosed. If unmet, the Association may negotiate post-auction with high bidders.

Can I buy privately?

Some lots accept sealed pre-offers. If accepted, the live auction may be canceled for that lot.

What proof is required?

Recent bank/custodian letter or credit line confirmation; additional KYC/AML may be requested.