New gTLD applicants ponder private auctions
Applicants for contested new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) are considering using private auctions to determine who wins the rights to a disputed string.
US ISPs reveal anti-piracy policies
Two US Internet service providers that have joined three other firms in a piracy crackdown have revealed their plans for punishing illegal downloaders.
Gabon blocks access to new Megaupload site
Gabon has thwarted Kim Dotcom’s plans to launch a successor site to file-sharing service Megaupload under me.ga, after its government suspended the web address.
Directi launches .pw domain
Trademark owners (with marks registered before December 1, 2012) can apply to protect their rights in the new .pw namespace from December 3, 2012 to February 8, 2013.
Trademark owners set for gTLD talks
IP owners are heading into a meeting today armed with eight proposals for enhancing trademark protection under the new gTLD programme.
Filipino cybersquatters face hefty prison terms
Brand owners in the Philippines are expected to pursue a new law that can punish cybersquatters with 20-year prison terms.
Nominet targets businesses for .uk expansion
British registry Nominet wants to hand shorter .uk web addresses to businesses for the first time in its history.
ICANN extends gTLD comment period after US congress intervenes
After intervention from US members of congress, the organisation overseeing the new generic top-level domains programme has given members of the public an extra 45 days to comment on applications.
French anti-piracy body issues first fine
The French anti-piracy body that hunts down suspected Internet pirates on file-sharing networks has fined its first Internet user, nearly three years after it was formed.
Cybersquatting statistics reflect concern over gTLDs, say lawyers
The rising number of domain name disputes at WIPO reflects concerns over the threat of cybersquatting under the new gTLD programme, according to lawyers.
