DOI System Governance and Participation > DOI System Participants: Registration Agencies and Registrants

Registration Agencies (RA) enter into an agreement with the DOI Foundation. A copy of this generic agreement is available on the DOI web site (see RA Agreement).

The RA agreement covers a number of areas including:

1.Rights granted to the RA:

oappointment as an RA having the authority to assign DOI names as part of the DOI System using the DOI prefix or prefixes that have been assigned to RA by the DOI Foundation

ononexclusive right and license to use DOI trademarks

osub-licenses to exercise all rights in the implementation technologies (such as the Handle System) required for the fulfillment of RA's rights and obligations as an RA under the DOI System

2.Obligations of the RA:

oremain a fully paid member of the DOI Foundation, including adherence to all DOI agreements and policies

oprovide registration services and infrastructure

oadopt procedures to assure quality

orespect rights of other RAs

3.Obligations of the DOI Foundation:

omaintain the DOI System, infrastructure and documentation

ocooperate with RAs in setting policies and fees regarding RAs

oparticipate in ISO and other relevant standards-setting bodies

4.Rights and intellectual property:

oThe DOI Foundation has the exclusive right to appoint RAs and to be the Registration Authority of ISO 26324.

oTrademarks remain the property of DOI Foundation and are licensed to RAs.

oRAs may assert patent or other proprietary rights in the RA services, but must comply with the DOI Patent and Trademark Policies.

oIn the event of the DOI Foundation ceasing to be the Registration Authority of ISO 26324, continuity must be ensured.

5.Change procedures, warranties, indemnities, and liability

6.Termination procedures, including:

oconsiderations in the event of an RA leaving the DOI Foundation (for example, the transfer of registered DOI names to a successor)

oconsiderations in the event of the DOI Foundation being unable to continue (for example, the orderly transition of the responsibilities of the DOI Foundation to a successor)