Dot-eu registrations to begin in December

11-11-2005

by Ciara O'Brien

The new EU top level domain (TLD), dot-eu, has been officially launched, signalling the start of the rush to grab preferred domain names.

The registration process for dot-eu domain names, however, won't begin until 7 December, when public bodies and trademarked organisations can register their addresses.

The new domain was launched by European Commissioner Charlie McCreevy in the European Commission Office in Dublin on Friday. Speaking at the launch, McCreevy described the dot-eu domain name as "an important development" which will greatly enhance trade links across Europe.

"Once adopted here in Ireland the dot-eu domain name will offer Irish businesses the opportunity to market themselves to a diverse and lucrative European market," he said.

In Ireland, EU Internet (formerly IE Internet) is one of two accredited dot-eu domain registrars. EU Internet says it has already received numerous applications for the new addresses. Irish applicants for the new domain names will be validated by accredited registrars. The communications regulator, ComReg, will verify the public bodies, while trademark holders will be validated by PricewaterhouseCoopers.

The second phase will allow those with a recognised claim to a name, but who may not hold a trademark, to register their domain names. From April, it will be a "first come, first served" system.

Phelim O'Connell, managing director of EU Internet, said the launch of the new TLD would stimulate growth in the domain name registration market in Ireland, and would have benefits for the wider European market. "It will give businesses an opportunity to market themselves as European companies," he explained.

At present, he said, the market is fragmented, with each country having its own domain name. However, the dot-eu domain would define Europe as its own identity.

"The availability of dot-eu domain names will offer Irish businesses an opportunity to expand their customer base and name recognition throughout Europe," said O'Connor.

The arrival of the dot-eu domain has been heralded as a positive move for businesses, giving them a visible European presence. However, companies have already been warned to be aware of "pre-registration" services, which could leave them open to fraud.