I have three domains with moniker that I purchased recently. They are unlocked and more then 60 days old. I tried transferring out the domains to well known registrar, but moniker keeps denying the transfer with no reason given, nor do they respond to emails so..

Is that not violating some sort of rules/policies/requirements on being a domain registrar? If so, who do I need to talk to / report them to, concerning this ... problem.?

I've never heard of Moniker - are they a registrar or a reseller?

Losing registrars are not allowed to block transfers except on the express instructions of the registrant - say the rules.

However, many registrars (NetSol is one of them) will refuse transfers unless the RESELLER approves them first - which is totally against ICANN rules. Unfortunately, however, ICANN has no mechanism for enforcing its own rules - there is a registrar complaint form somewhere on their web site, but all they will do is forward your complaint to the registrar you are complaining about, and all the registrar will do is write to you again telling you what they've told you already.

Most frustrating, and ICANN has come under a lot of criticism over its failure to enforce its own rules, but sadly nothing seems to have changed.

Originally posted by Lubeca
I've never heard of Moniker - are they a registrar or a reseller?

Losing registrars are not allowed to block transfers except on the express instructions of the registrant - say the rules.

However, many registrars (NetSol is one of them) will refuse transfers unless the RESELLER approves them first - which is totally against ICANN rules. Unfortunately, however, ICANN has no mechanism for enforcing its own rules - there is a registrar complaint form somewhere on their web site, but all they will do is forward your complaint to the registrar you are complaining about, and all the registrar will do is write to you again telling you what they've told you already.

Most frustrating, and ICANN has come under a lot of criticism over its failure to enforce its own rules, but sadly nothing seems to have changed.

If doing a domain transfer with a reseller, the registrar
will give 1st priority to the reseller based on their legal
agreements.

The registrar reserves the right to intervene, but only
if the registrant or admin contact notifies the registrar
of such & utilizes whatever mechanism the registrar
has for such a situation.

I've dealt with NSI a few times regarding this. They
generally won't deal with it unless the registrant tells
them so, then switches over to NSI's own database
which will allow that registrant full access w/o going
thru the reseller.

BTW, Moniker IS an ICANN-accredited registrar. I just
checked & confirmed from ICANN's registrar listings.

Did moniker even send 1 email saying why the transfer
wasn't accepted? Quite odd...and disturbing.

i spoke with the CEO of moniker several times, they are the most secure registrar and big domain players use them.

i highly suggest contacting their support and asking since moniker never hold domain hostage i transferred in and out domains i won via pool there and never faced such problem.

and yes they are ICANN accredited registrar

I just got an email from them.. just now. They now require me to give written (???) permission to them first, AND a reason why I want to transfer the domains away from them .... .... ... off I go..

Moniker is a top notch registar which we have been working for all our premium domains. I think you simply need to fulfill their requirements and you should not have any problems.

Regards,