Go Continental – The .eu Domain Address

On 7 December 2005 the new domain name address “.eu” was launched.  There is an initial, staggered four month registration period during which only certain categories of eligible persons will be able to apply to register an “.eu” domain name.

• Who can register an “.eu” domain name?
• Individuals resident in the EU
• Organisations established in the EU or whose registered office, headquarters or principal place of business is within the EU

• What is the procedure for registering an “.eu” domain name?
• Choose an acceptable name: amongst other things, this must be unique, contain between 2 and 63 characters and not contain any special characters or punctuation
• Choose an authorised .eu registrar, who will complete the appropriate electronic registration form
• Registration is on a first come, first served basis

• What is the “sunrise period”?
• A two-phase registration period, each phase lasting two months
• Phase 1 runs from 7 December 2006 to 6 February 2006: during this period registration is open to public bodies and existing holders and licensees of national and Community Trade Marks
• Phase 2 runs from 7 February 2006 to 6 April 2006: during this period registration is open to those eligible under Phase 1 with the exception of licensees of trade marks, and additionally to holders of other protected rights under national laws such as company names and unregistered brand names
• “Sunrise” applications should be accompanied by documentary evidence of the relevant intellectual property rights
• From 7 April 2006 registration will be open to all eligible persons

• How long will a registration last and how much does it cost?
• One year initially, with automatic renewal on the anniversary date unless EURid (the authority which manages “.eu” domain name) is advised otherwise
• The fee for registration is 10 euros.  There will be an extra “processing” charge for “sunrise” applications to cover the cost of reviewing the supporting documentation which is required to be submitted with such applications

• Action: look at EURid’s website at www.eurid.eu where there is more information about “.eu” domain names and a list of authorised registrars

January 2006