18 July 2011


Dear Mr …

YOUR COMPLAINT: DOMAIN RENEWAL GROUP

Thank you for contacting us.

I should say straight away that we have considered the ad and the issue you raise carefully but there don’t seem to be grounds for formal action under our Code at this stage.  I realise this might disappoint you perhaps I can explain in more detail.

Although we understand this company is based in America we have previously investigated and upheld complaints about an earlier version of this mailing (being that there is no equivalent regulatory authority in the US) but since that time the advertisers have made changes, in consultation with our Compliance Team, which we consider brings the current mailing in line with the requirements of our Code.

We note that the mailing makes a number of references indicating that recipients might like to “switch,” or “transfer,” from their current registrar on which they can “decide for yourself.”  We are now satisfied with the changes and believe the wording in the ad makes sufficiently clear it is not a bill and recipients are not obligated to renew with the Domain Renewal Group or make a payment.  Whilst I appreciate your concerns we are satisfied that the wording in the ad including “You are under no obligation to pay the amounts stated below, unless you accept this offer, this notice is not a bill,” makes sufficiently clear that it is not a bill.  The ad also states “Domain name holders are not obligated to renew their domain name with their current Registrar or with the Domain Renewal Group,” and we feel that recipients are unlikely to respond to the advertisement in error.

Again, I realise you might remain disappointed but I hope this at least explains our decision.

Yours sincerely



Tim Evans
Complaints Executive
Tel: 020 7492 2174
Email: time@asa.org.uk

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