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The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) announced the introduction of new '.biz' and '.info' top-level domain (TLD) registries. The two new registries will add to the already familiar registries such as '.com', '.net', and '.edu'. Dot-info will be open to any business or person to register for any purpose, but dot-biz will be a restricted TLD only available for commercial or business purposes. Registry operators NeuLevel and Afilias will be responsible for the registration process of '.biz' and '.info' respectively. An important aspect of the registration process is the option to protect intellectual property rights. The registration of the new TLDs will be handled in slightly different three step processes and provide protection to intellectual property rights through different means. The registration of '.biz' begins with a service for businesses to submit trademark claims before the application process is opened. This service will notify domain-name applicants of a trademark owner's claim when they submit an application, and if they decide to go ahead with the registration, the business with the submitted trademark will be notified of the registration and given a window of opportunity to challenge the registration. THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT A TRADEMARK CLAIM IS 9 JULY 2001. The second step is the domain name application and selection. Businesses may submit applications from 10 July 2001 to 25 September 2001, and will be randomly selected in batches and awarded. '.biz" names that have been awarded will become operational in October 2001. The registration of ".info" will begin with a 'sunrise' period during which anyone with a registered national trademark can apply through a registrar for a '.info' domain name corresponding to the mark. The 'sunrise' period will run for a 30 days opening in late June 2001. Domain names awarded during the sunrise period will become operational one week after the beginning of the general application process. Fifteen days after the conclusion of the sunrise period, applications for '.info' domain names will be accepted from the general public and randomly selected in batches. The general application '.info' names will become operational promptly after Afilias processes them. We strongly recommend that we all take this opportunity to protect our intellectual property rights and register any new domain names before a third party beats us to it. Keep the deadlines for the registration in mind as they are quickly approaching. "This article is prepared by Miller & Mitchell, P.C. We do not recommend acting on the information contained in this article without obtaining specific professional advice. These articles focus on broadly applicable legal principles. Contact Miller & Mitchell, P.C. for legal counsel." For more information on e-policy and other workplace issues, contact Miller & Mitchell, P.C. cmiller@millermitchell.com © 2001 Miller & Mitchell, PC All Rights Reserved.
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