The much anticipated launch of new generic top-level domains, often referred to as the domain-name suffixes (e.g., .info, .gov and .edu) and set to roll out later this year, marks the most significant makeover to the Internet ever. Branded, geographic and even foreign-script domains such as .google and .nyc will soon launch alongside traditional domains such as .com, .net and .org. While this development presents a number of opportunities to enhance competition and innovation online, many intellectual property owners are concerned about the risks the new domains will present.
With a huge amount of new domain names expected to appear within the next few months, protecting trademarks from fraudulent or other misuse will undoubtedly prove to be an even more trying process.
