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.XXX Sunrise A and B periods start today! 5 things you need to know

  

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In a previous post, we discussed the details of ICANN’s new gTLDs and how and when the registration process would start. After much anticipation, the time has come and Sunrise periods start today September 7, 2011. Companies in the adult industry wishing to register their domain names should apply under Sunrise A, and companies wishing to protect their trademarks can block their domain names under Sunrise B.

It is possible that these new gTLDs will attract potential cybersquatters as it offers them a window of opportunity to hook up a well-known brand domain and make some serious cash if successful.

5 Things you need to know before registering/blocking your domain*:

1. Sunrise periods will only last 52 days; but don’t panic, Sunrise applications will not be accepted on a first come, first served basis.
2. If there is more than one Sunrise B application for the same domain name, it will be reserved in exactly the same way as if there were only a single applicant with no refund of fees among applicants fighting for the domain.
3. If a domain name is wanted by both Sunrise A and B applicants, priority will be given to the qualified Sunrise A applicant (see unofficial Sunrise A qualification requirements)
4. Even if you own a trademark already, you will not be guaranteed a matching domain name in .xxx. ICM’s answer to this: “Many Trademarks can exist in many different jurisdictions for the same string depending on use, etc. What we do have, however, is a third party administered Trademark Validation and name allocation process detailed under our Launch Plans.”
5. If there is more than one Sunrise applications for a domain name, all sunrise applicants will be notified of each other’s existence and will have the opportunity to withdraw their applications. They will not be able to claim lack of notice should there be any subsequent dispute proceedings.

*Visit the ICM Registry page to learn more about Policies and Legal Agreements surrounding the .XXX launch.

BrandProtect commitment to Online Threat Management

BrandProtect continues to provide the latest updates and developments on the new gTLDs as they unfold, it is our main priority to protect our clients’ brands and reputation. We will be offering a clients-only webinar - ‘Triple X Domains Launch – Steps that Trademark owners must take to protect their brand’ - on September 15 at 11:00am EST and will count with the participation of guest speaker Pamela Gavin of Gavin Law Offices, who will be sharing her expertise in Trademark Law.

Points of discussion are:

• timeline for the launch
• what .XXX means to non-adult Intellectual Property holders
• aspects of the Launch Period (Sunrise A Sunrise B, Landrush, General Availability including: qualification, eligibility, verification for sunrise)
• benefits/challenges for brand owners
• possible fallout from the launch of the .XXX in terms of increase of trademark abuse on the internet
• defensive strategies trademark owners need to consider
• registrar considerations
• costs associated with protecting your trademark during the launch

If you wish to become a client, or would be interested in future BrandProtect webinars open to the public, please contact us at onlinesales@brandprotect.com. In the meantime, do not forget to protect your brand by applying during the Sunrise periods before October 28, 2011.