.XXX - Safeguarding IP Rights

A new Top Level Domain especially for the adult industry has been launched. This has caused concerns that .xxx-Domain names could be misused to the detriment of companies that do not wish to be associated with such content. The following checklist gives a short overview of how to protect against misuse based on IP rights.

Sunrise period

The "sunrise period" during which trademark/domain holders could apply to permanently block eligible trademarks/ domains ended on 28 October 2011. If a name is successfully blocked, the corresponding domain will resolve to a standard web page informing that the name is reserved.

General availability

From 6 December 2011, remaining .xxx-Domains are open to everyone on a first come first served basis. Rightholders outside the adult industry who did not use the sunrise period can defensively apply for renewable, non-resolving domain names to protect their IP for brand names, personal names, or other names of interest under the