Organisation Name Change Support Guide
“Step-by-step instructions to help member organisations update their official name in the AFRINIC WHOIS database.”
1.0 Introduction
AFRINIC recognises the importance of its IP Resource members' organisation names as more than just a label, but a vital part of their brand identity and corporate ethos. As such, maintaining accurate organisation details in the AFRINIC WHOIS database is one of our highest priorities to ensure the correct and current organisation names are associated with their allocated IP resource registration details.
To ensure a smooth and efficient process for maintaining accurate records, this guide provides step-by-step instructions to help member organisations update their information.
The scope of changes covered by this guide includes scenarios that may be caused by the following:
Rebranding
Updating the company name as part of a marketing or rebranding strategy, including trading name changes.
Status Change
Transitioning between private and public company status.
Business Evolution
Expanding or altering business scope to reflect new directions or services.
Intellectual Property Considerations
Adjusting the name to strengthen trademarks or avoid legal conflicts.
These changes typically involve the company registration number remaining consistent. Name changes resulting from mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are outside the scope of this guide. For M&A-related changes, refer to the Mergers and Acquisitions Guide.
2.0 Name Change Procedure
Name changes require that the member provide a set of documents demonstrating the legally binding recognition of the name change. These requests should be sent to service-support@afrinic.net.
The following requirements must be met for a successful update:
2.1 Contractual Obligation Checks
AFRINIC Resource Membership is governed by the Registration Service Agreement (RSA) and AFRINIC’s constitution (bylaws). When assessing a name change request, the following contractual obligation checks are performed:
- The request must be submitted by a registered contact (name and email address). If no registered contacts are available, an official letter signed by a senior legal or administrative official is required.
- The member's account must be in good financial standing with AFRINIC.
2.2 Supporting Documentation
Provide the following documents when submitting a name change request:
- Name Change Certificate: This can be a certificate from the company registrar or a government gazette document reflecting the name change.
- Proof of Identity: A valid ID for the authorised representative submitting the request.
- Official Authorisation Letter: If the requester is not a registered contact, provide a signed and stamped letter on company letterhead authorising the name change.
- Updated Registration Service Agreement (RSA):
- Complete and sign the RSA, following these guidelines:
- Insert the full legal name (as approved) on page 1 (Applicant) and page 10 (Agreed by Applicant).
- Include the signing official’s job title next to their name on page 10.
- Initial every page.
- Use the company seal or stamp, if available.
- Fill page 9 with contact details
- Ensure the document includes the header and footer (e.g., "AFRICAN NETWORK INFORMATION CENTRE REGISTRATION SERVICE AGREEMENT 27 November 2017").
- Indicate whether your organisation accepts electronic documents or if the original RSA must be mailed to:
- Complete and sign the RSA, following these guidelines:
Member Services Department
AFRINIC
11th Floor, Standard Chartered Tower
Cyber City, Ebene, Mauritius
Phone: +230 403 51 00
2.3 Review and Approval
AFRINIC will review your submission to verify the provided documents and information. If additional information or clarification is required, you will be notified.
Upon approval:
-
AFRINIC will confirm and validate that other organisation details, such as the physical address and registered contacts, are up to date.
-
A confirmation email with the updated details will be sent to you.
2.4 Verifying the Changes
We recommend verifying the updated details using the following methods:
If you notice discrepancies, contact AFRINIC support immediately at service-support@afrinic.net.
- Reviewing the notification sent to the admin-c registered contact.
- Log in to your MyAFRINIC portal to confirm the updated organisation name.
- Querying the WHOIS database or RDAP using the ORG-HDL or the company name.
If you notice discrepancies, contact AFRINIC support immediately at service-support@afrinic.net.