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Domain registrar GoDaddy, Afilias Global Registry Services and Mo-Net will operate and market the Montenegro domain extension .ME, which is due to launch this year. From the press release:
Go Daddy will use its renowned marketing muscle to globally promote .ME, while Afilias will provide world-class registry technology, similar to what it uses to support other domains such as .INFO and .ORG.
“We’re excited about the phenomenal potential of .ME and our ability to market it to you, all Web users, as well as other registrars – and of course we’ll promote it in true GoDaddy-esque style,” said Go Daddy CEO and Founder Bob Parsons. “Couple .ME with our first-in-class customer support and the registry systems of Afilias and the possibilities are unlimited.”
The new registry alliance plans to invite all registrars, country code (CC) and top level domain (TLD) resellers to add .ME to their own list of offerings. However, the new .ME can be used by anyone – an affiliation with the country of Montenegro is not required.
The big issue that we see is whether or not trademark holders will be provided a sunrise registration. Every time a new domain extension becomes available, the opportunity exists for cybersquatters to grab domains protected by trademarks in order to divert traffic. Godaddy hasn’t said whether or not it will be providing a sunrise registration period for trademark holders as has occurred when the .mobi and other extensions have become available. We think the sunrise period is important to at least give trademark holders an opportunity to protect their intellectual property. Of course, precautions have to be put in place to ensure otherwise generic domains are left available for domainers and anyone else wanting a fair shot at registration.
Sunrise4/28/08 - 5/20/08
(includes Pre-Registration)
Trademark holders may submit requests for .ME domains. After the sunrise period closes, domain names requested by multiple trademark-holders will be auctioned between the requesting parties.
Landrush5/6/08 - 6/26/08
(includes Pre-Registration)
Anyone may apply for a .ME domain name during this period. After Landrush closes, domain names requested by multiple parties will be auctioned between the requesting parties.
Open Registration 7/17/08
Domains issued on a first-come first-served basis.