Does my business need a .London domain name?
Internet addresses are changing. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (Icann) has started releasing new generic Top-level Domain (gTLDs) names, with more than a thousand being released in 2014.
These new gTLDs comprise the part of a domain name to the right of the dot in a web address, equivalent to the current .com, .net, .org and .co.uk.
According to Andrew Cave, a commercial lawyer at law firm TLT, the new gTLDs such as .London will allow brands to clearly and effectively associate themselves with a particular place, market or product.
So while .com and .co.uk domains will continue to be important, retailers should consider purchasing a .London domain name if their brand will benefit from displaying its connection to London.
Many of the new gTLD operators claim that they will be more effective at preventing abusive domain name registrations by illegal, spam or phishing sites. If those intentions are realised, gTLDs will act as a mark of quality and authenticity.
The .London gTLD is expected to be released in early 2014. So far, 31 new gTLDs have been released, including .technology and .today. Retailers can check the current list available on the Icann website.
To obtain the widest opportunities for domain name registration and protection against abusive registrations by third parties, Cave says brand owners should consider registering their trademarks with Trademark Clearinghouse, which helps to protect owners of domain names and ensures disputes are dealt with.
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