Insights
Client Alert
How to Keep Ones Registered Trademark from Becoming a .XXX Domain Name
September 02, 2011
Robert L. Sherman & Bradford E. Young
After years of consideration, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has approved the use of the .XXX top level domain (TLD) for adult entertainment websites. However, not all companies and individuals want to be associated with the content likely to be displayed on websites bearing the .XXX TLD. Such websites are scheduled to become operative in December 2011, but owners of registered trademarks and service marks are able to take preventive measures as early as September 7, 2011 to avoid having their marks used in connection with .XXX websites.