Amazon is set to launch two new generic top-level domains (gTLDs): .DEAL and .NOW. With the sunrise period scheduled from 22nd August 2024 to 21st September 2024, trademark owners must act swiftly to safeguard their trademarks and avoid the pitfalls of cybersquatting.
Opportunities
The .DEAL and .NOW gTLDs allow businesses to create unique and memorable domain names that align closely with their trademark’s identity and marketing strategies.
These new gTLDs provide additional options for marketing campaigns. For instance, a business running a special promotion could use a .DEAL domain to highlight offers, while a company emphasizing quick service could use a .NOW domain to convey immediacy.
New gTLDs can improve search engine optimization (SEO) by providing more relevant and specific domain names, potentially increasing website visibility and traffic.
The introduction of new gTLDs encourages businesses to innovate and expand their online presence in creative ways, leveraging the unique qualities of .DEAL and .NOW to attract and engage customers.
Risks
The primary risk associated with new gTLDs is cybersquatting, where third parties register domain names that are identical or similar to established trademarks. This can lead to trademark dilution, loss of customer trust, and potential legal battles.
Unauthorized use of a trademark within these new gTLDs can cause confusion among customers and harm the trademark’s reputation. It can also divert traffic away from the trademark’s official website.
To protect their trademark, companies might feel compelled to register multiple domain names defensively, even if they do not plan to use them immediately.
GlobalBlock with IP Twins
In addition to TMCH registration, IP Twins offers GlobalBlock, a comprehensive service designed to further protect your trademark across numerous gTLDs and ccTLDs. GlobalBlock provides an additional layer of security by blocking unauthorized registrations of your trademarks across a wide range of domain extensions, ensuring robust protection for your trademark in the ever-expanding digital landscape.
See also GlobalBlock: Introducing a new blocking mechanism in over 500 extensions – IP Twins
Conclusion
By registering their .DEAL and .NOW domain names during the sunrise period from 22nd August 2024 to 21st September 2024, trademark owners can secure their brand’s online presence, mitigate the risks of cybersquatting, and maintain the integrity of their trademark in the digital space.
