While companies have traditionally been limited to Internet extensions such as .com, .net or .org, the international body responsible for regulating the Internet, ICANN, is now allowing entities to operate generic top-level domains (gTLD) of their own choosing. ICANN received nearly 2,000 applications for the new domains, and projects that more than 1,000 will be approved.
While new gTLDs offer a great opportunity for New York and New Jersey businesses to further market their brands, they may also lead to a dramatic increase in cybersquatters, entities that seek to turn profits by hijacking the trademarks and domain names of well-known companies. Thankfully, there are at least two preemptive steps that businesses can take now.
First, businesses should register all of their trademarks with ICANN’s Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH), the new trademark database and alert system created to monitor the new gTLDs. The cost per mark is $150.
Once you register, your company will receive two important benefits. Under the “sunrise period” for new gTLDs, trademark owners are given the first opportunity to register one of the new domains using their marks. You will also be alerted if a third party registers a new gTLD for an identical trademark within a 60-day Trademark Claims period following the 30-day Sunrise Registration.
It is important to note that the TMCH can only protect against domain names that match your trademark exactly, i.e., it does not cover misspellings or variations of your mark. Therefore, companies should also consider expanding their surveillance for copycat websites.
Second, if your budget allows, businesses may also want to consider “defensive” registrations. Registering several new gTLDs can become expensive, particularly if you don’t plan to actually use them, but it is the best way to help ensure that another company does not capitalize on your trademark.
Since the rollout of the new gTLDs is staggered, businesses will need to monitor release dates carefully. As soon as the 30-day Sunrise Registration opens, you should be prepared to file your application.
If you have any questions about the new gTLDs or would like to discuss your company’s trademark strategy, please contact me, Fernando M. Pinguelo, or the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work.
What to Do If You Are Impacted by a Retailer Bankruptcy Part 2
Over the past year, brick-and-mortar stores have closed their doors at a record pace. Fluctuating consumer preferences, the rise of online shopping platforms, and ongoing economic uncertainty continue to put pressure on the retail industry. When a retailer seeks bankruptcy protection, a myriad of other businesses are often impacted. Whether you are a supplier, customer, […]
The Current Administration's Proposals for the Financial Services and Banking Industries Will Affect Your Business
Since his inauguration two months ago, Donald Trump’s administration and the Congress it controls have indicated important upcoming policy changes. These changes will impact financial services policies and priorities. The changes will particularly affect cryptocurrency, as well as banking rules and regulations. Key Regulatory Changes in Cryptocurrency For example, in the burgeoning cryptocurrency business environment, […]
Tips for Commercial Landlords Impacted by Wave of Retailer Bankruptcies Part 1
The retail sector has experienced a wave of bankruptcy filings over the last year. Brick-and-mortar businesses in financial distress include big-name brands like Big Lots, Party City, The Container Store, and Vitamin Shoppe. When large retailers seek bankruptcy protection, they are not the only businesses impacted. Landlords can be particularly hard hit. While commercial landlords […]
How Understanding Bankruptcy Trends Can Benefit Your Business
The bankruptcy legal landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses navigating financial distress. Understanding current bankruptcy trends can help businesses make more informed and strategic decisions. Corporate Bankruptcy Filings Trending Upwards Bankruptcy filings continued to trend upwards in 2024. According to statistics released by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, personal and business […]
SEC Takes Actions Against Issuers for Failure to File Form D
In December, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced charges against two privately held companies for failing to file a Form D notice, which is generally utilized for exempt securities offerings. Here, the SEC’s enforcement sends a strong message: compliance with regulatory requirements is not optional and failure to comply can have significant consequences. […]
Redefining Labor Relations: NLRB's Pivot from Abruzzo’s Memoranda
On February 14, 2025, the Office of General Counsel (OGC) of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) under Acting General Counsel William B. Cowen issued Memorandum 25-05, “New Process for More Efficient, Effective, Accessible and Transparent Case handling.” The Memorandum rescinds nearly all of the Memoranda issued by his direct predecessor, Jennifer Abruzzo, setting the […]
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!
