New Top Level Domain Name Registration
A Web Hosting Article Contributed by Frances Rhea
New Top Level Domain Registration Basics
Due to the high demand for additional domain names, new top-level domain name registrations (TLDs) are being introduced to the Internet. These will allow users to have a more personalized domain name and also domain name registration for domains ending in the older suffixes to be used with the new extensions.
What the New Top Level Domain Name Registrations Are
ICANN currently introduced seven new TLDs to the Internet's domain name system which can be registered through most registrars. After extensive discussions throughout the global Internet community, seven TLDs were included in the first addition of a global TLD to the Internet since the 1980s. The selected TLDs are: .aero (for the air-transport industry), .biz (for businesses), .coop (for cooperatives), .info (for all users), .museum (for museums), .name (for individuals), and .pro (for professions).
The following TLDs are currently fully operational and accepting live domain name registrations. These extensions include:
.biz, which is managed by NeuLevel, Inc., which has a website located at http://www.nic.biz/;
.info, which is managed by Afilias Limited, which has a website located at http://www.nic.info/;
.name is operated by the Global Name Registry whose website is located at http://www.nic.name/;
.museum which is sponsored by Museum Domain Management Association (MuseDoma), whose website is located at http://www.nic.museum/;
.coop is sponsored by the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA) which has a site available at http://www.nic.coop/;
.aero is sponsored by Societe Internationale de Telecommunications Aeronautiques SC (SITA) and has more information available at their website located at http://www.nic.aero.
The .pro registry agreement as of this date is still being negotiated. More information on .pro is available from RegistryPro, Ltd. which has a website available at http://www.registrypro.com.
Where Can I Get the New Domain Name Registration?
Domain name registration in any of these new TLDs can only be done through an ICANN-accredited registrar and their resellers. At present, there are over 100 registrars that have signed the new accreditation agreements. This makes them eligible to register domain names in the .biz, .info and .name TLDs. You can find a list of accredited registrars on the InterNIC website located at http://www.internic.net/regist.html.
Can I Protect My Trademark with the New Domain Name Registration?
As with all trademarks, it is always wise to consult your attorney for advice regarding intellectual property issues with any TLDs. Although all of the new top level domains are subject to ICANN's Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (which is referred to as the "UDRP"), it is not infallible. Each new TLD has previously established procedures which help to minimize customer confusion and what is known as cyber-squatting.
This was accomplished by allowing current trademark holders to assert any rights to their registered trademarks in the new TLDs before any domain name registrations were opened to the general public. If you are registering a new trademark, you will need to do the research required.
