After years of planning, on June 13, 2012, ICANN (the international body that regulates the internet) revealed the identities of the new global top-level domain names (gTLDs) and who has purchased them.  A gTLD is the last word of any internet address such as .com or .net.  Currently, there are only 22 gTLDs which is why Trademark Owners have been watching with mixed anticipation to determine what will be included in the new 1,900+ gTLDs that was announced on June 13, otherwise known as “Reveal Day.”

Trademark Owners can register their trademarks at the "Trademark Clearinghouse" kept through ICANN and gain certain benefits through registering including:

• Automatic notification if a new domain wishes to use your mark.
• Putting all new domain registrants on notice if they wish to use your mark.
• Decreased likelihood that your brand will be misused.

Please review ICANN’s FAQ page for up to date announcement on what to expect.

For more information, please contact any member of Taft’s Intellectual Property Practice Group.