The third and final phase of registrations for the .eu domain name kicks off today and focuses on clubs, interest groups and family names. The first two phases attracted 333,964 applications.
From here on in applications for .eu domains will be open to any individual or company on a first-come first-served basis.
So far there have been two phases where organisations and individuals could apply for a domain name. The first phase, from 7 December 2005 to 6 February 2006, covered public bodies and trademark companies. The second phase, from 7 February to 7 April 2006, covered public bodies, trademark companies and other company names and business identifiers, focusing specifically on distinctive titles of protected literary and artistic work, unregistered trademarks and trade names.
The third phase, from today (7 April) onwards, will allow all other types of organisations to apply for a domain name such as clubs, interest groups or family names.
Fintan Lawler, managing director of Eircom.net, said: “We’ve already had several hundred expressions of interest from Irish companies for the open registration. In order to make the process as quick and secure as possible for our customers we have developed an online facility whereby from 10am [today] companies can go online and purchase a .eu domain immediately. Should the case arise whereby the name is contested, we will let the purchaser know and offer them another name at no additional cost.”
Lawler also encouraged any remaining companies or public bodies to register their addresses as soon as possible. “From Friday anybody can buy a .eu domain even if they don’t have any prior right or legal jurisdiction over that name,” he said.
EURid, the organisation selected by the European Commission to operate the new .eu domain, is expecting several hundred thousand applications for the .eu name on Friday.
By John Kennedy
