November 2010
The UK domain name registry, Nominet, is preparing to release thousands of one and two character domain names, as well as some other short domain names. These were previously ‘reserved’, for technical and policy reasons.
The Nominet website at http://www.nominet.org.uk/digitalAssets/46540_domains-to-be-released.pdf gives a full list of these domain names.
Between 1 December 2010 and 17 January 2011, registered trade mark owners can apply for and register the domain names that correspond to their trade marks. These domain names include one or two letters of the alphabet (such as b.co.uk, bb.co.uk, ba.co.uk), one or two digits (such as 1.co.uk, 11.co.uk), and other previously restricted names (such as mobi.net.uk and mobi.me.uk). The trade mark owners must provide evidence that the trade mark is in force in the UK and was registered on or before 1 January 2008.
If more than one trade mark owner, with equal rights to the name, applies for the same domain name, it will be auctioned to the highest bidder.
Any domain names, still available after this first phase, will then enter a second phase when the owners of trade marks which are not registered but in use can register the domain names that correspond to their marks. The trade mark owners must provide evidence that the unregistered right was being used in the UK on or before the 1 January 2008.
Again, if more than one trade mark owner, with equal rights to the name, applies for the same domain name, it will be auctioned to the highest bidder.
Finally there will be a general availability phase, where anyone can apply to register a remaining domain name.
Nominet has not yet announced the timeframes for the phases after the first.
Businesses that have one or two letter trading names should consider applying for a corresponding short domain name. If you would like any advice or assistance, please contact us for further information.