Back in June of this year, I warned you about the coming of the .xxx domain and encouraged you to take action. The time is now!
What is the .xxx domain extension and how will it work?
The adult industry and its powerful lobbies have gotten permission to register domains under the .xxx tld (top level domain). The .xxx domain is a way to alert the consuming public when adult content is on a site. For adult industry content providers, it’s clearly a marketing tool, which lets the interested public know where they can be found. The .xxx domain extension also puts consumers in control of content they view.
.xxx and Trademark Protection.
Since not everyone wants to be associated with adult industry content, protections have been put into place, which permit non-adult industry registered trademark owners to block the creation of an infringing and/or disparaging .xxx domain name (e.g., disney.xxx, hershey.xxx or exxon.xxx).
There are Four (4) Registration or Blocking Periods.
For adult industry and non-adult industry parties, who want to register or block a third party registration, the following timetables are important:
• Sunrise A — During this limited time period (September 7 – October 28, 2011), members of the adult sponsored community with verifiable trademarks can apply for a .xxx domain. More info …
• Sunrise B — During this limited time period (September 7 – October 28, 2011), those who are NOT members of the adult sponsored community can apply for a .xxx domain. More info …
• Landrush — During this limited 18-day period, members of the adult sponsored community can get their name in early and beat the rush. More info…
• General Availability – During this period starting December 6th, anyone can register a .xxx domain. More info …
Information You Must Have.
If you have a valid, nationally recognized trademark and want to block a third party from registering your trademark as a .xxx domain—for a fee—during the Sunrise B period, you can do so. The fee blocks your trademarked name for 10 years. It’s important to know this is NOT a registration, it is a block for non-adult industry trademark owners.
Requirements for Securing a .xxx Domain if You Are a Trademark Owner:
1. Trademarked Name
2. Trademark Registration Number
3. Nation Code (The country where your trademark was registered)
4. Trademark Registration Date
5. Trademark Ownership
Where Can You Get the .xxx Domain.
Depending on your nation of domicile, you can determine where to secure the .xxx domain by going to the ICMRegistry website.
If you value your non-adult industry trademarks and your brand, don’t put this off.
Until next time I’m Attorney Francine Ward helping you protect what’s yours! Join my conversation on my Facebook Fan Page.
