Issue 206 - 17 February 2006

NetNames launches Trademark Search Service

NetNames has this week launched an online trademark screening service. The service is available to all users of the NetNames website at the time of searching for worldwide domain name availability, and represents a significant step forward in brand protection.

NetNames is first to market with such a combined service, which now offers the capacity to run a trademark search alongside a domain availability check. The new system searches both the US federal trademark (USPTO) database and the European Community Trademark (CTM) database for potential infringements in the form of pending or registered trademarks, and alerts the customer when one is found, at no extra charge. For an additional charge, the customer is able to download details of the existing trademark registration.

This facility will allow customers to make more informed choices when selecting potential website addresses. Prospective registrants are now much less likely to inadvertently infringe on the registered rights of others and cybersquatters will be much less able to argue ignorance of other's rights.

NetNames believes that this exciting new service will ultimately help in the safeguarding of brand owners' online Intellectual Property (IP).

In order to search for available domains, and to try out the new NetNames Trademark Search Service, please go to www.netnames.com.

.mobi launch

The .mobi domain name, intended for web-content relating to mobile phones, is set to launch later this year. A restricted Sunrise registration period will commence on 22 May, and will be divided into two phases. The first, a 'Limited Industry Sunrise', will apply to members of mobile industry organisations. The second 'Trademark Sunrise' will give trademark holders an opportunity to register their trademark as a .mobi domain.

Open registration will begin 28 August and it is thought that the first two weeks will constitute a 'Landrush' period, during which desirable .mobi domains may be registered at a premium price, which will subsequently reduce.

N3Lite will keep readers informed on developments in .mobi, as more information becomes available.

Dubious domain operators

NetNames has received reports from some of its clients that a company has been in contact with them, stating that someone based in Europe is about to register domains very similar to domains the client already owns. The company then offers said domains at a premium price.

NetNames advises clients to be cautious of such operators, and never to be pressured into paying above the odds for domain names. If in any doubt, Platinum clients should contact their account manager; other clients should call +44(0)870 458 9400.