Weekly Launch Guide January 8, 2018

SPOTLIGHT:

.KE Launch Dates Updated

KeNIC, the registry for .KE, updated the launch dates for top-level .ke registrations.  The General Availability Phase now begins on January 16, 2018.  This launch was originally scheduled for December 2017.  The launch change corresponded to an extension of the Grandfather Phase, which has since completed. Owning a third-level .KE domain is not a prerequisite to register domains at the second level in General Availability. Kenya represents a top-3 economy in Africa, and is among the fastest growing, globally. If you have questions, please contact your Client Service Partner for more information.

Ireland Liberalizes Registration Policies

The IE Domain Registry updated their policy of requiring an explanation of why a particular domain name is being registered – also referred to as the “claim to the name”.   This policy change becomes effective in March 2018.  Interested registrants will no longer need to prove trademarks or valid reasons for registering an .ie domain. The registry continues to require a connection, or nexus, to Ireland.  Complaints about domains that may infringe on another’s rights will be handled through standard dispute resolution procedures.  Once the policy is no longer in effect, domains will be available to interested applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.  Please contact your Client Service Partner for more information.

Still Launching

The following TLDs have launch phases (Pre-General Availability) that are currently still in progress. If you are interested in participating in any of these launches, please contact your Client Service Partner.

.UK

.basketball

.bot

.rugby

.mt

Launches within 30 days (bold indicates where dates fall within time frame)

The information provided is intended for informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice.