After many years of debate, the new sponsored top-level domain (“TLD”) .xxx has been approved. The .xxx TLD is targeted at the adult entertainment industry.
Owners of registered trademarks, who do not wish to be associated with the adult entertainment industry, may, during a limited “Sunrise B” period, take action to prevent their registered trademarks from being used as .xxx domain names by others (e.g., TonkonTorp.xxx). The “Sunrise B” period is currently in effect and ends on October 28, 2011.
To take advantage of the reservation option available during the “Sunrise B” period, trademark owners must apply through eligible domain name registrars (e.g., Network Solutions, Go Daddy). Fees and processes will vary depending on the registrar, but reservation fees are likely to exceed $200. Only registered trademarks are eligible for reservation during “Sunrise B”.
In addition to the required one-time fee, applicants must submit the following information:
- Trademark to be reserved or blocked
- Country in which the trademark is registered
- Trademark registration number
- Trademark registration date
- Class or classes in which the trademark is registered
Additional information about the launch of the .xxx TLD, the “Sunrise B” period, and other opportunities to reserve domain names beyond the “Sunrise B” period, can be obtained from ICM Registry, operator of the .xxx TLD (http://icmregistry.com/).
If you have any questions about this process, or need us to provide you with information about your registered trademark, please contact your Tonkon Torp attorney, or Chris Erickson at (503) 802-2177 and chris.erickson@tonkon.com.
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