In 2013, our company purchased a website, domain, and hosting, but due to lack of understanding, we sought assistance from a local host. We agreed to official terms and later discovered that the costs were exorbitant, yet the services provided were inadequate. Support, site management, and configurations were insufficient, and official letters were required to make even minor changes.

 Over time, our manager requested a more robust site, which we had developed and hosted elsewhere. After purchasing new hosting and setting up the site, we encountered a problem when attempting to register new DNS servers on our domain. Our previous hosting company claimed the domain was registered to them and refused to change the DNS servers. If we decided to withdraw from their hosting, they threatened to keep the domain for themselves and put it up for auction to competitors.
What options do we have?

Take a look at the contract for clarification. If the domain belongs to you, you can reference the agreement when dealing with the hosting company. However, if the domain does not belong to you, the hosting company has the right to maintain it, although this seems unlikely to me.

In most scenarios, hosting providers serve as resellers except for a few exceptions. When registering the domain, the hosting provider typically asks for a completed administrator questionnaire that includes contact information and identification details. If a hosting company does not request this information during registration, it is better to look elsewhere.

Some hosting companies do not furnish the Auth-info code for domain transfer directly, but one can retrieve it from the registrar panel or by restoring access to the domain, which leads to an email sent to the address specified in the administrator questionnaire. One can ascertain the domain administrator's details in the registrar personal account to ensure that they are the rightful owner.

Familiarizing oneself with the offer agreement on the hosting provider's official website is also suggested, as it provides information about their responsibility for transferring domains registered through them. If the technical support service fails to explain their registrar partner mechanics thoroughly, it is recommended to change to a more reliable hosting provider.

Domain loss can occur if you fail to comply with certain contract terms, leading to irreversible loss. However, some unscrupulous domain registrars steal domains from buyers, and arbitration bodies settle disputes. Thieves aim to illegally enrich themselves or damage the domain owner's reputation. To avoid these issues, it's recommended to register domains separately from web hosting using a reputable registrar. Be sure to respond promptly to all emails regarding your domain, including requests to confirm your information, to prevent unnecessary blockages.

Review any contracts or agreements you signed when you originally bought the domain and hosting. Many times, the ownership of the domain is explicitly stated in those dоcuments. If it is listed under your company's name, you might have some leverage in negotiating with the hosting provider.

Secondly, you can try contacting them directly and explain the situation in a firm but professional manner. Sometimes, they may be willing to release the domain if they see that you are serious and have taken steps towards hiring legal aid or looking for alternative solutions. It's important to dоcument all communication for future references.

Another option could be to escalate the issue to a higher authority within the company. If you can find someone at a managerial level, explain your situation and they might be more willing to help resolve the issues.

If that doesn't work, consider seeking legal advice. A lawyer who specializes in intellectual property or internet law can provide insights into your rights regarding the domain. They can also help in sending a formal letter demanding the transfer of ownership back to you, citing any ownership rights you have based on your records.
You might want to consider filing a complaint with ICANN, the organization that oversees domain name registrations. If you can prove that you are the rightful owner of the domain, ICANN may mediate the dispute or even compel the hosting provider to release the domain.

In any case, always keep backup of your website and any important data. It's crucial to ensure your company doesn't lose its online presence if things take a turn for the worst. Transitioning to more reliable hosting services where you have full control over your domain and resources will also help prevent similar issues in the future. Remember, don't just go for the cheapest options; investing in trustworthy services is vital in the long run.

You need to establish ownership of the domain. Check your domain registration details, if you have proof of purchase, you could file a dispute with ICANN or your local domain authority. This could pressure the hosting company to relinquish control. Alternatively, consider legal action if they continue to hold your domain hostage.

However, this situation highlights a critical flaw in your decision-making process. Relying on a local host with dubious terms was a rookie mistake. It's imperative to vet your service providers thoroughly in the future.

It is unlikely that the domain was "stolen" by your hosting provider. Domains are occasionally reserved as premium by registrars following initial interest. Confirm ownership by looking up WHOIS records. File a complaint or get in touch with ICANN if they actually registered it themselves. Registering domains through reliable registrars rather than hosting companies directly is always advised for future security.

The hosting company took my domain name without notice, leaving my business offline and clients confused. I need urgent help to recover it and prevent further damage to my brand.

Keep thorough records of all contracts and domain registration information. When negotiating, make use of your ownership dоcumentation, such as WHOIS, purchase receipts, and registrar records, if the domain is rightfully yours. Complain to ICANN or local authorities if the host refuses. For greater control and security, domain registration and hosting should always be kept apart in the future.