Articles and Publications
Entering the European Domain
08/Apr/2006
If you are a business with an internet presence, having not just one registered domain name but several, it may be a key weapon in preventing other businesses from trying to copy your brand.
By registering different variations of a domain name, either as variations of the words or using different top level domain addresses (for example '.co.uk', '.com' or '.org'), you can prevent other organisations from establishing a website using your name which could potentially confuse your customers. This protection is very cost effective as registering a domain name is cheap and easy to do, and could cost as little as £3.00 per year through one of the numerous organisations which advertise on the internet.
The registration of European domain names ending in '.eu' started on 7 April 2006. The European Commission appointed a non-profit organisation known as EURid to operate and run the new .eu top level domain. EURid has established a network of Accredited Registrars manages the allocation of .eu domain names to businesses. The cost of .eu domain name is not set. The fees charged by the accredited registrars to their customers can vary and depend among other things on the registration services they provide.
All residents of the European Union are allowed to register a .eu domain name. The only obligation for registering a .eu domain name is residing or being established (for companies) in the European Union. We recommend that you consider registering your business name as an .eu domain name to provide both additional to your brand and increase your market prevalence. Lee & Priestley LLP are able to offer advice and assistance in this and other areas of brand protection; please contact a member of the Intellectual Property team for further information.
By registering different variations of a domain name, either as variations of the words or using different top level domain addresses (for example '.co.uk', '.com' or '.org'), you can prevent other organisations from establishing a website using your name which could potentially confuse your customers. This protection is very cost effective as registering a domain name is cheap and easy to do, and could cost as little as £3.00 per year through one of the numerous organisations which advertise on the internet.
The registration of European domain names ending in '.eu' started on 7 April 2006. The European Commission appointed a non-profit organisation known as EURid to operate and run the new .eu top level domain. EURid has established a network of Accredited Registrars manages the allocation of .eu domain names to businesses. The cost of .eu domain name is not set. The fees charged by the accredited registrars to their customers can vary and depend among other things on the registration services they provide.
All residents of the European Union are allowed to register a .eu domain name. The only obligation for registering a .eu domain name is residing or being established (for companies) in the European Union. We recommend that you consider registering your business name as an .eu domain name to provide both additional to your brand and increase your market prevalence. Lee & Priestley LLP are able to offer advice and assistance in this and other areas of brand protection; please contact a member of the Intellectual Property team for further information.
