Media.com protects the handles of recognizable identities — public figures, brands, institutions and public bodies — before they join. A recognizable name should not go to an unrelated person simply because they registered first.
What you see
When you search for a protected handle at media.com/handles/protected or media.com/handles, it shows as Protected with the option to Claim this handle. It cannot be licensed or reserved as ordinary inventory.
Who can claim it
The person the name belongs to, or someone authorized to act for the organization it represents. Every claim is reviewed, and you verify your identity (and, for an organization, the organization and your authority to act) through VERIFIED.
What protection is not
- It is not legal ownership. Protected status governs allocation on Media.com only; it creates no trademark or ownership rights elsewhere.
- It does not stop someone else with the same name from establishing a distinct identity. See Shared names and handles.
- It does not publish a list: Media.com does not disclose which names are protected beyond what search shows.
Next steps
Claiming a Protected Handle · Standard and Priority Review · Claim decisions and reconsideration