Last updated: August 6, 2025
Effective January 14, 2025. This Domain Name Service Agreement governs your use of the domain registration and management services provided by ShineHill Studio. In this Agreement, “you” and “your” refer to the domain name registrant. References to a registrar, registry, or registry operator refer to the administrator of the applicable top-level domain. By using these Services, you acknowledge and agree to this Agreement.
1. Our Role & Services
We provide domain name registration, renewal, and management services on your behalf using one or more domain registrars of our choosing. We act as an intermediary between you and the registrar and do not control the final assignment or availability of domain names.
We cannot guarantee that a requested domain will be available at the time of registration, even if it appears available during the search process. All domain name registrations are subject to the rules, policies, and procedures of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the applicable registry operator.
2. Your Information & Responsibilities
You must provide accurate and complete information during registration, including your name, mailing address, email address, and telephone number. You also agree to keep this information updated at all times.
Failure to provide accurate information, keep it updated, or respond to verification requests may result in suspension or cancellation of your domain name. Personal data collected for domain registration will only be used for providing Services, fulfilling ICANN or registry requirements, or as required by law.
3. Domain Verification
As required by ICANN, all newly registered or transferred domains must be verified via email. You will receive an email with a verification link that must be clicked within 15 days. Failure to verify will result in suspension of the domain until verification is completed.
4. Fees & Payments
All fees for domain registration, renewal, and management must be paid in advance. These fees are non-refundable, even if your registration is suspended, canceled, or transferred before the end of the registration period.
- Provide accurate and current account information.
- Pay all applicable registration, renewal, and transfer fees.
5. Term & Renewals
Domain names are registered for fixed terms. We will send renewal reminders prior to expiration. If you fail to respond or renew, your domain may expire and become available for registration by others.
For ShineHill Studio clients with a current Done-For-You Launch or Managed package, the yearly domain name fee will be automatically billed within 60 days of the domain renewal deadline. This fee will be represented as a yearly, one-time charge on your billing statement.
If we elect to renew your domain after expiration, you will have 30 days to redeem it by paying all applicable fees plus a redemption fee of $100 per domain. After this grace period, the domain may be auctioned or transferred to another party.
- If a registration expires, ShineHill may hold the domain for its own account, delete it, or sell it to a third party.
6. Domain Transfers
We will accept inbound transfers from other registrars, provided you pay for at least one year of registration upon transfer. Domains cannot be transferred to another registrar within 60 days of initial registration.
- A $15 transfer fee applies for most domains (.com, .net, .org, .biz, .info, .mobi, .us, .eu, .me, etc.).
- A $35 transfer fee applies for certain TLDs (.co, .uk, .tv, etc.).
7. Transfer of Ownership
The Registrant listed in the Whois directory is considered the legal owner of the domain. The administrative contact on file is considered authorized to manage the domain.
Before transferring ownership of a domain, you must ensure the new owner agrees in writing to be bound by this Agreement. If they do not, the transfer will be considered invalid.
8. Domain Name Disputes
You represent that, to the best of your knowledge, registering and using your domain name does not infringe on the legal rights of any third party. If your registration is challenged, you agree to comply with the ICANN Dispute Resolution Policy and indemnify ShineHill Studio from claims arising from your registration or use. ShineHill may suspend or modify domain records after receiving notice of a dispute or legal action.
9. Use & Disclosure of Registration Data
We may share your registration data with ICANN, registry operators, law enforcement agencies, and other authorized parties as required by law or policy. Some registration data may be made publicly available via Whois unless you purchase privacy protection services. By using our Services, you consent to these disclosures.
10. Modifications & Revocation
We may update this Agreement at any time to comply with ICANN, registry policies, or changes in our business practices. Your continued use of our Services constitutes acceptance of these updates. We may deny, cancel, suspend, or modify any domain registration to correct errors, comply with laws, resolve disputes, or protect service integrity.
11. Limitation of Liability
Our total liability for any claim related to your domain registration is limited to the amount you paid for the initial registration of that domain.
- Loss of registration or use of a domain.
- Business interruptions.
- Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including lost profits.
12. Disclaimer of Warranties
All Services are provided “as is” and “as available.” We make no warranties, express or implied, regarding the availability, security, or performance of domain registration Services.
13. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless ShineHill Studio, its employees, affiliates, contractors, and partners from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from your domain registration or use.
14. Governing Law
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Idaho, without regard to its conflict of laws principles.
15. Contact Information
For questions or concerns about this Agreement, email privacy@shinehill.studio.