The world of domain names now allows companies to apply
to register generic Top-Level Domain Names (in geek speak gTLDs
– .com, .org, .biz etc).
You can now register .nike or .apple but it'll cost you
US$185,000.
Companies that own gTLDs will be able to create and issue second
level domain names – which is the part straight after the www
(e.g. www.iphone.apple).
This all begs the question: How can I stop someone from
registering a domain name that uses my trade mark?
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)
is launching the Trademark Clearinghouse on 26 March, to help trade
mark owners protect their rights.
So how does it work?
From 26 March, on the payment of a much smaller fee to ICANN,
registered trade mark owners will be able to register eligible
trade marks with the Trademark Clearinghouse and obtain the
following benefits:
