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If the .si domain you want is registered or reserved, you cannot register that exact name unless it becomes available. Your practical options are to choose an available alternative, ask the current holder whether they would consider a transfer, or—if you have a qualifying legal right and evidence of bad faith—consider a formal .si Alternative Domain Name Dispute Resolution System (ARDS) complaint. A matching business or brand name alone does not guarantee that you can obtain the domain.
First, check whether the domain is registered or reserved
Check the exact spelling and its current status through Register.si or a .si registrar. Register.si’s guidance says a domain “cannot be already taken or reserved.” Register.si’s registration and return guidance distinguishes availability from entitlement: an unavailable name cannot be newly registered, but that status by itself does not show that the holder has acted improperly. Availability can change, so verify it again when you are ready to act.
Choose the route that fits your situation
| Option | When it may fit | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Register an alternative | You do not have a clear rights claim, or the exact name is not essential. | You give up the exact name, but can use a distinct available .si name or another suitable domain ending. |
| Ask the holder about a transfer | The exact name matters and a consensual approach is appropriate. | The holder may refuse; registration does not require them to sell. |
| Consider an ARDS complaint | You hold a qualifying right and have evidence relevant to every required element. | It is a formal process with evidence requirements, deadlines, fees, and Slovenian-language requirements; the outcome is not assured. |
| Get legal advice | The rights or commercial stakes warrant an individualized assessment, or court protection may be relevant. | You need case-specific advice on rights, evidence, strategy, and any separate costs or timelines. |
If you want to ask the holder about a transfer
You can make a polite inquiry asking whether the holder would consider transferring the domain. There is no guarantee they will respond or agree, and the official materials do not establish a guaranteed registry-mediated purchase process. Keep the request respectful and do not imply that a name match obliges the holder to sell.
If you cannot find contact details and have a justified reason—such as exercising legal rights or pursuing ADR—Register.si accepts substantiated requests for holder information. See its holder-information request guidance for the requirements and process.
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When a .si ARDS complaint may be relevant
ARDS is a rights-based dispute process, not a general way to claim a name because you prefer it or wanted it first. Under version 5 of the ARDS Rules of Procedure, applicable to cases initiated on or after 7 October 2025, a complainant must establish all three elements:
- The domain is identical or confusingly similar to a right the complainant holds.
- The holder has no legitimate interest in the domain.
- The domain was registered or is being used in bad faith.
The rules identify potential rights including qualifying Slovenian trademarks, registered company names, copyright, registered geographic designations, personal names, and other rights recognized under Slovenian law. Whether a particular right qualifies, and whether the evidence proves the required elements, depends on the facts. A matching trademark, company name, or personal name does not by itself establish that a complaint will succeed.
What filing involves
The complaint goes through the registry’s online process. It must identify the parties and disputed domain, explain the grounds and requested remedy, include supporting evidence, and document the fee. The case is decided by an independent arbiter or panel; Register.si administers the process rather than deciding the dispute as a party.
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- Response period: Under the version 5 rules, the holder generally has 21 days to respond, counted from the day the disputed domain is blocked.
- Language: The procedure is conducted in Slovenian. The administrator or tribunal may require a certified translation of a submission in another language; submitting in English does not guarantee acceptance without translation.
- Fees: Version 5 lists a €700 fee including VAT for a single-arbiter case involving one to five domains, and a €700 including VAT supplement for a three-arbiter panel. Fees vary with the number of domains and VAT status. Check the current rules and form for the amount that applies before filing.
- Timing: Register.si’s ADR Procedure Guidelines estimate about two to three months from filing to implementation of the decision. This is an approximate guide, not a guaranteed deadline.
The current general .si registration terms, published and valid from 15 November 2024, incorporate the ARDS rules. They also specify permitted characters, including Latin letters, digits, hyphens, and listed Slovenian IDN characters. See the .si General Terms and Conditions for the applicable registration provisions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When to consult a Slovenian lawyer
Consider advice from a qualified Slovenian lawyer if you are weighing a complaint, need to assess evidence or deadlines, or the domain has significant commercial or legal consequences. The ARDS rules do not exclude or restrict judicial protection and address circumstances involving concurrent court or arbitration proceedings. A lawyer can help assess which route fits your situation without assuming that a name match decides the case.
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