Hollywood Trademark Attorney Explains New Top Level Domain Names

Los Angeles, CA (Law Firm Newswire) August 3, 2011 – The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers will begin to accept new Internet domain name endings early next year, but businesses need to start preparing now to establish and authenticate their brand top-level domain names. ICANN issued new guidelines in late June that will vastly increase Internet domain name endings, also known as generic top-level domains (gTLDs), from 22 endings such as .com, .net, and .org to potentially hundreds of new variations. The change is in response to the global marketplace and ICANN’s objective to promote free speech.

The new gTLDs involve application fees of $185,000 and are most likely going to be desired by companies who want to take control of their brand and seek financial and investment opportunities should their gTLD be in high demand. Big brands such as Canon and Hitachi are already working on their .Canon and .Hitachi gTLD, for example. Business owners will have to decide if they want to be an ICANN qualified registrar or have a third party run their brand’s gTLD to comply with ICANN’s guidelines.

“The new gTLDs allow businesses to make their domain names as inclusive or exclusive as they see fit,” said Los Angeles business attorney and Los Angeles trademark attorney Anthony Spotora, of the Law Offices of Spotora & Associates. “The top level domain can be a source of business and income as a company can create second level registrations and agreements with suppliers, distributors, and other partners who fit with the brand.”

But along with the race to get control of a new top level domain name are many legal implications. Companies will want legal counsel to monitor that unauthorized use of their name and brand does not make it into the new registry. From counterfeit goods and services to competitors applying for their opponent’s domain name – even at the hefty price tag – legal counsel is a must to protect a company’s livelihood.

The ICANN applicant guidebook does have three trademark rights protection measures for businesses, regardless of whether they do or do not apply for the new gTLDs. A notice is made during the Sunrise period of registration at the Trademark Clearinghouse and there is an Intellectual Property Claims Notification service in the first two months after a new gTLD launches. There is also a new Uniform Rapid Suspension dispute resolution procedure where a business owner can obtain a suspension if they can prove the bad faith use of the mark and registration.

“A qualified trademark attorney is essential to register, protect, and maintain a businesses brand and identity with these new guidelines,” said Spotora.

The Law Offices of Spotora & Associates, P.C. has decades of experience guiding companies with their trademark, intellectual property, and important legal business matters. Their senior level attorneys are accomplished at making complex legal issues less stressful for companies. From national and multinational companies to entertainment-focused businesses, Spotora & Associates can confidently take on all of their client’s legal needs.

To learn more, talk to a Los Angeles Business Lawyer or Los Angeles business Attorney by visiting http://www.spotoralaw.com/.

Law Offices of Spotora & Associates, P.C.
1801 Century Park East, 24th Floor
Los Angeles, California 90067-2302
Call: (310) 556.9641