Client Asset Ownership: Should the Agency or the Client Own the Domain and Hosting?

Short summary

Agencies should never own client domains; under ICANN policy effective Aug 2025, the client's legal business name must appear in the Organization field to establish true ownership. For hosting, choose between recurring-revenue reseller models (with liability) or zero-liability client-direct models. Always document digital asset ownership, payment conditions, and IP transfer terms in your master services agreement to prevent disputes.

• •Domain ownership must sit with the client under ICANN's Aug 2025 policy—use delegated technical access for management
• •Hosting follows either reseller model (recurring revenue, liability) or client-direct model (zero liability, faster launches)
• •Put all digital asset ownership and IP transfer terms in a written contract reviewed by legal counsel

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