As from September 2011 it will be possible to register a domain name with the extension .XXX.

This extension is created specifically for the adult entertainment industry. At first, this obviously concerns people and companies that are involved in this industry. Trade mark holders, however, should also be aware of this opportunity because it might be the case that .XXX domain names, corresponding to their mark, will be registered by third parties.

From December 6 on, this extension will be open for the general public according to the ‘First come, first served’ principal. A trade mark holder, who did not block the use of his trade mark as a .XXX domain name, will have to lodge legal proceedings in order to stop a corresponding .XXX domain name from being registered.

Sunrise A

If you are a member of the adult industry and interested in registering a .XXX domain name, we can further inform you on the procedures and the costs of a registration during Sunrise A.

Sunrise B

The registration during Sunrise B is not a domain name registration and will not grant you ownership of this domain name. Its only purpose is to prevent third parties from registering .XXX domain names that are identical to your mark and this for a period of 10 years. The WHOIS and the URL of such a domain name will have the status: ‘This domain name is not available for registration’. The cost for a so-called registration block will be 330 EUR (+ VAT).

If you would like to use sunrise B for a non-registered trade mark, you could fall back on the fast registration procedure for Benelux trade marks (1 to 3 business days). The costs for such a trade mark registration (in 1 to 3 classes) and a filing during Sunrise B will amount to 1,125.00 EUR (+ VAT) during this special action.

Please do not hesitate to contact us (domains@gevers.eu) if you would like some more information on the registration of a .XXX domain name or if you would like to block the use of your trade mark as a .XXX domain name.

Details on the sunrise period: 

Sunrise A:
September 7, 2011 – October 28, 2011

Any member of the adult industry can register a domain name which corresponds to his registered trade mark or a domain name with a different extension.
The rule ‘First come, first served’ will not apply. In case several applicants file for an identical name, the allocation of the name will be made on the basis of an auction between all parties concerned.

Sunrise B:
September 7, 2011 – October 28, 2011

Any holder of a registered trade mark will be able to declare his trade mark in order to block the registration of such trade mark as a .xxx domain name.