Main image of article .XXX Domains: Registration, Brand Protection Now Underway
.xxx DomainsNow available: .xxx domains. That's according to ICM Registry, the domain's operator, which recently gave the right to register with .xxx to several companies, including GoDaddy and Network Solutions. Brands have a 50-day period, which is now underway, to grab their domain names, regardless of whether they wish to host a site using it -- or block others from doing so with their trademark or brand. This requires a one-time, $200 fee for every .xxx domain registered. If you're an adult-film producer, actor or a person who simply wants to register your own .xxx domain,  keep in mind that this process differs from standard domain-name registration. ICM Registry has set certain guidelines to avoid potential copyright claims:
  • There's a time period (now - Oct. 28, 2011) called Sunrise A where "members of the adult Sponsored Community with either verifiable trademark rights or owners of exact matching domains" can register their .xxx domains. Sunrise B takes place concurrently for "non-adult Intellectual Property holders who are non-members of the adult Sponsored Community with verifiable trademark rights." This is so they can block use of their domain names with .xxx.
  • Starting Nov. 8, the Landrush begins. This will be the chance "for members of the adult Sponsored Community but NOT on a first come, first served basis" to auction for an .xxx domain name. At the end of this period, which ends Dec. 6, the highest bidder gets the name.
  • After that, anyone can register available .xxx domain names without restriction.
For more information, watch ICM Registry's video: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIDKnDSaWqE] Source: ICM Registry