Web Domains Confusion

[Ludwig]

I was wondering how web domains work, it seems you have to get them from domain sellers but I'm sure things like Google don't do this so how do they get the rights to www.google.com?

Rather than just legal action is there some sort of international database that stops people just making their own servers and calling them www.google.com?

Because I'd like to know how you own a web domain rather than rent one.

I realise i could be looking at how web domains work in completely the wrong way.

[absinthe bunny]

I know you can register a domain name for x years, and after those years you get the chance to extend the period. So I do't think there is much difference between renting and owning one. I guess you could register the domain name as copyrighted and that way you keep owner of the name even when you decide to not to keep it active for a while.

[Seven]

ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) co-ordinates the naming system right across the internet by controlling the DNS (Domain Naming System) through official Registries which deal with each domain extension.

So Google really did have to apply for the name and just like everyone else, they must renew their ownership every 12 months.