BizTech Law Blog

Defensive Registration of .XXX Domain Names

Earlier this year, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the body responsible for managing top-level domain name spaces (e.g., .com, .org, .edu and .gov), approved .xxx as a new top-level domain name space.  .xxx top-level domain names are intended for adult content.  However, as noted in a prior posting, the .xxx top-level domain could result in unwanted affiliation between your brand and the adult entertainment industry or create an opportunity for brandjackers to register "www.YourCompany.xxx."

Fortunately, for companies not affiliated with the adult entertainment industry, a "sunrise" period has been established.  The "sunrise" period allows a business to defensively block their registered trademarks or intellectual property rights from becoming .xxx domain names (www.YourCompany.xxx).  A company that defensively blocks a .xxx domain name prevents others from registering www.YourCompany.xxx.  After defensively blocking a .xxx domain name, persons attempting to reach www.YourCompany.xxx will reach a plain page indicating that the domain name is reserved from use.

Time is of the essence.  The "sunrise" period will be short lived, ending on October 28, 2011 (it began on September 7th). Act now.

If you have questions regarding the defensive registration of .xxx domain names, please give me a call.

Categories: Domain Name Registration, Intellectual Property, Trademarks