.svg?rev=a492cc1069df46bdab38f8cb66573f1c&hash=2617C9FE8A7B0BD1C43269B5D5ED9AE2)
The long-planned introduction of hundreds of new generic top-level domain names (gTLDs) by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), kicks off later this month, when the first set of new domain names will be issued to domain name registry Donuts, Inc.
October 2013 gTLDs
Donuts, Inc. will launch a 60 day "sunrise" registration period on October 29, 2013 for the following newly sanctioned gTLDs:
- .camera
- .clothing
- .equipment
- .guru
- .holdings
- .lighting
- .singles
- .ventures
- .voyage
Subsequent groups of new gTLDs are scheduled for release by Donuts, Inc., as well as other ICANN-approved domain name registries through 2015, with "sunrise" registration for .business, .construction, .email, .management and a number of others set to begin in November of this year.
Protected Sunrise Registration for Rights Holders
All registries must provide early "sunrise" registration periods during which only rights holders may register domain names that contain their respective trademarks. Depending upon the gTLD registry, the sunrise registration periods will last from 30-60 days. Once the sunrise registration period ends, the new gTLD becomes available to the general public for domain name registration.
Only trademarks recorded with the Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH), a repository of registered trademarks, prior to or during the launch of a new gTLD are eligible for domain name registration during the sunrise period. Another benefit to recording your trademarks with the TMCH is the ability of trademark rights holders to receive written notification that a potentially infringing new domain name has registered for a limited period of time. To take advantage of both benefits, especially in light of the upcoming launch by Donuts, Inc., it is imperative that trademark rights holders record their trademarks with the TMCH soon, if they have not already done so.
Professionals in Faegre Baker Daniels' trademark, copyright, advertising and media practice can work with you in recording trademarks with the TMCH or provide you with information about TMCH's process and filing requirements.