GetOnWeb
It's a question many business owners only ask when something goes wrong: the web designer stops replying, the hosting bill doubles, or you want to switch providers. Suddenly, who owns my website? becomes urgent. The answer isn't always obvious, because a website is really three separate things - and each can be owned by someone different. Here's how to check, and what to do if it isn't you.
A website is three things, not one
1. The domain name
Your web address - yourbusiness.co.uk. It's on your van, your cards and your Google listing. This is the most important part to own, because losing it means losing your address online.
2. The content and design
The words, photos, logo and design of your site. Ownership here depends on your agreement with whoever made it, and on who created or supplied each part.
3. The hosting
The server where your site lives. You don't need to own the hosting - you're renting it - but you do need to know whose account it's on and how to move away.
How to check who owns your domain
Domain names are registered to a "registrant" - the legal owner. To check yours:
- Look for renewal emails from a domain registrar - if you get them, the account is probably yours
- Ask your web designer directly: "Is the domain registered in my name or my company's name?"
- Use a WHOIS lookup tool - for many domains it shows the registrar, though owner details are often hidden for privacy
For .uk domains, the registry is Nominet. If the domain is registered in your name, you have the right to control it, even if someone else manages it for you.
The warning sign: if the domain is registered in your designer's or agency's name, they effectively own your web address. Ask for it to be transferred to you now, while things are friendly.
Who owns the content and design?
In the UK, copyright generally belongs to whoever created the work unless a contract says otherwise. That means:
- Photos and text you supplied are yours
- Content written or designed for you may belong to the designer unless your agreement transfers it
- Stock photos and themes are licensed, not owned - and the licence may not move with you
Check your contract or terms. A fair provider will state clearly that the content created for your site is yours to keep if you leave.
How to move your domain away from a web designer
If you want to move:
- For .co.uk and other .uk domains, transfers usually happen by changing the domain's "IPS tag" to your new registrar. Your current provider makes the change, often free
- For .com and most other domains, you need an authorisation (EPP) code from the current registrar, which you give to the new one
- Before switching, take a copy of your content and photos, and note any email accounts tied to the domain
Moving hosting and redesigning at the same time? See website redesign costs and how to protect your rankings.
Questions to ask before you sign up with anyone
- Will the domain be registered in my name?
- Who owns the content and design you create?
- If I leave, what do I take with me, and does it cost anything?
These belong on any list of things to check when choosing a web design company.
Your domain. Your business.
We register your domain in your name and move it to your own account if you ever leave. £39.99/mo, no contract.
See what's included →The bottom line
You should always own your domain name, know where your website is hosted, and have the right to keep the content made for your business. Check today rather than when there's a problem - a five-minute email to your web designer now can save weeks of stress later.
This article is general information, not legal advice. If you're in a dispute over a website or domain, speak to a solicitor.