Domain name precautions needed under gTLD regime, says SIIA
Wednesday 18th January 2012
Steps must be taken to safeguard trademarks and other intellectual property under the new generic top level domain name (gTLD) regime, it has been claimed.
The Software and Information Industry Association (SIIA) has called on the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICAAN) to take every domain name precaution possible to allay fears over customised web addresses.
Some critics believe allowing organsiations to create their own branded domain name suffixes will open the door for abuse by cybersquatters.
As such, the SIIA has urged ICANN to react quickly to any problems it sees developing as it receives applications for generic domain names.
ICANN needs to make "an adjustment" if it identifies any potential issues during the three-month application window, the body urged.
Scott Bain, SIAA's chief litigation counsel, commented: "We're going to want some mechanisms in place to ensure [the new regime is] not abused.
"When you have a gTLD that is obviously directed at a particular industry or category, there should be some assurance that it's going to be used only for licensed or authorised purposes."
At present, domain name registrants must select from just 22 gTLDs, plus around 200 country codes such as .co.uk.
Posted by Debra Hastings-Henry 