Important: December 7, 2005

An EU regulation is now in place providing for the registration of the new .eu top level domain (TLD). The .eu TLD is widely anticipated to become the most popular TLD since .com.

The launch date of the .eu has recently been set and the TLD will be operational in 2006.

The good news is that in order to try and prevent cybersquatting the regulation provides for a sunrise period. During this 4 month period the owner of a trade mark registration or a company name can obtain priority over others in the registration of their .eu domain name. The sunrise period for trademark owners begins on December 7, 2005.
 
The .eu domain name application process operates on a first come, first served basis, therefore it is important to file your application promptly. It is possible that more than one organisation across Europe will hold legitimate rights to the same domain name.

To avail of priority registration based on your trade mark or company name you should let us know as soon as possible if you wish us to look after this on your behalf.

The cost to apply for a .eu domain name relying on your trademark registration will be €390 + VAT. It will cost €440 + VAT to apply for a .eu domain name relying on prior rights other than a trademark registration such as a company name.

Read on or if you require more information please contact Sumi Nadarajah.