Trademark Protection in the New '.biz' and '.info' Domains

In our IP Alert of June 4, 2001, we reported that trademark owners could take advantage of preventative

measures to avoid cybersquatting in relation to the new ".biz" and

".info" top level domain names. In relation to the ".biz"

domains, the pre-registration process is referred to as filing an IP Claim,

which may be followed at a later time by actual domain name registration. In

relation to ".info" domains, there is a "Sunrise"

registration period reserved to owners of trademarks registered before October

2, 2000.

Although the processes for IP Claims and Sunrise filings remain the same as

reported in our June 4th Alert, critical dates have changed, as follows:

.BIZ:

DATES

PROCESS

†

May 21 - August 6

IP Claims may be submitted

†

June 25 - Sept. 17

Applications for ".biz" names accepted

†

Sept. 26 - Sept. 30

".biz" names randomly assigned

†

October 1

".biz" domain names become active unless subject to an IP

Claim dispute

†

Oct. 1 - Oct. 30

IP Claimants have 20 days to settle or bring action against possible

cybersquatters

†

†

†

.INFO

DATES

PROCESS

†

July 25 - Aug. 27

Trademark owners as of Oct. 2, 2000 may pre-register

†

Aug. 28 - Sept. 11

Quiet period

†

120 days beginning Aug. 28

Challenges to Sunrise registrations are heard

†

Sept. 12 - TBD

General registration on a randomized, round robin basis

†

TBD

General registration on a first-come first-served basis

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