In case you haven’t been keeping up with it, the “.XXX” domain is getting closer and closer. ICM Registry, the company that administers the .XXX domains, created a “Sunrise” period (Sept. 7, 2011-Oct. 31, 2011) that allowed trademark holders — both those looking to use a .XXX address and those seeking to prevent others from using their trademark on a .XXX website — to register in advance of the rest of the world. ICM recently announced that it received more than 80,000 applications in the Sunrise period, and that “ the applications have been well balanced between brand owners inside the adult industry and those non-adult brands that want to protect their trademarks.”
Between Nov. 8 and Nov. 25, the “Landrush” phase is underway, during which only members of the “ adult Sponsored Community” (but not trademark holders) can apply for .XXX domain names. Finally, beginning on Dec. 6, 2011, the “General Availability” phase will begin, and all remaining .XXX domain names will be allocated to applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.
