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.
The Due Diligence Process for NY Condominiums and Cooperatives
While the New York City real estate market can be extremely competitive, moving too quickly often backfires. Before purchasing a condominium or cooperative in New York City, it is important to do you homework. Purchasing property in NYC can involve a dizzying number of legal issues. These include condo and co-op rules, rent restrictions, and […]
Smart Contract Legal Issues: Drafting Agreements for Blockchain
Smart contracts feature a unique blend of legal agreement and technical code. This innovation has the potential to reshape how business is conducted. At the same time, smart contract legal issues around enforceability, jurisdiction, identity, and compliance are common. The legal framework for these self-executing agreements is still evolving. What Are Smart Contracts? Smart contracts, […]
Are Stay Interviews the Key to Retaining Top Talent?
Retaining top talent continues to be one of the greatest challenges facing employers today. Even in an employer’s market, the loss of a key employee can disrupt operations and result in significant costs. While compensation plays a role, long-term retention often depends on workplace culture, communication, and employee engagement. One increasingly popular strategy for improving […]
Secured transactions form the backbone of a wide range of business dealings, including business loans, mortgages, and inventory financing. Because the stakes are often high and relatively minor oversights can have drastic consequences, lenders and borrowers should thoroughly understand how to form an enforceable security agreement that protects their legal rights. What Is a Secured […]
Don’t Cash a “Paid in Full” Check Without Understanding the Legal Implications
Cashing a check marked “paid in full” can be a risky endeavor, particularly if you don’t fully understanding the legal implications. If you are owed more than the amount of the check you accept and deposit, you may waive your right to collect the full disputed amount. That is why you should consider either rejecting […]
Changes to Qualified Small Business Stock Will Benefit Startup Founders and Investors
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBBA) significantly impacts federal taxes, credits, and deductions. A key change relating to Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) allows greater tax-free gains for investments in startups and other qualifying small businesses. Company founders and other investors should understand how the enhanced tax strategy works or risk missing […]
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!
