Nominet, the UK domain name registry, is planning to introduce two letter and one character domain names (e.g. ‘ba’, ‘0’, etc.). This type of domain name has previously been banned from use in relation to ‘.uk’ domain names because of a technical issue. As this issue no longer applies (except in relation to ‘com’, ‘net’ and ‘org’), around 2,000 new domain names can be released into the public domain.
The domains would be made available first to parties with a registered trademark identical to the domain name in question, and then to the general public. Where there are two or more parties with a pre-existing trademark registration that would entitle them to use the domain name, a number of proposals have been considered. For example, one possible solution could be to use a sealed bid auction for domains where there are two or more interested parties of the same business type.
The registry has started a public consultation on the matter. It is seeking responses from interested parties (such as those with a trademark registration that is likely to be affected by the introduction of the new domain names) on the best way to make these domain names available.
Please click here to respond to the consultation.