Domain Name News: New .Pro Internet Registry Now Accepting TM Registrations

Anonymous writes "'Sunrise' Period Allows Major Brands, Others to Protect Names

Trademark and service mark owners have six weeks, starting today, to register domain names with the new .Pro top- level Internet domain (TLD), during a special pre-launch "sunrise" registration campaign announced by .Pro registry operator RegistryPro.

These defensive domain name registrations are available until May 14, 2004, through any of RegistryPro's authorized registrars.

The .Pro TLD is designed to give professionals both a distinctive and secure Internet presence for their Web site, email traffic and confidential transactions. Each live .Pro domain registration will include a digital certificate for authenticating communications and transactions. Professionals must undergo a verification process to validate their eligibility for using a .Pro name extension. Initially, the .Pro domain will only be available to doctors, lawyers and CPAs. RegistryPro expects to launch the .Pro domain in June 2004.

Trademark and service mark owners may purchase four-year defensive registrations across-the-board for all current and future second-level string (domain name) variations or for any specific .law.pro, .med.pro or .cpa.pro domain name.

"As we near the launch of the .Pro domain, we encourage the owners of trademarks, service marks and other protected brand names to take advantage of this special registration opportunity," said Michael DelCiello, General Manager of RegistryPro. "The .Pro domain will add a new dimension to the Internet, offering professionals a unique online identity, and providing a new standard of security and confidentiality for professionals and their clients."

Defensive registrations provide a strategic solution that enables registrants to block domain names that exactly match their trademarks, and to reserve a name for future use. These registrations cannot be used to point to an actual Web site, or as extensions to email addresses. However, after the .Pro domain begins operating in June 2004, registrants can convert a defensive registration to a live domain name if they meet the registry's eligibility requirements.

Prospective registrants may visit www.registrypro.pro for more information on registering .Pro domain names.

About RegistryPro

RegistryPro, Chicago, operates the .Pro top-level domain (TLD), an Internet registry exclusively for professionals who meet specific eligibility requirements and undergo a verification process. All .Pro names are issued with a digital certificate, an online passport that facilitates secure communications and transactions. RegistryPro provides a new way for professionals to distinguish themselves on the Internet by using the .Pro extension. Initially offered to doctors, lawyers and CPAs, the .Pro domain name provides a solution for professionals who require heightened confidentiality and security in their online communications. RegistryPro is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hostway Corp., a global leader in Web-hosting and other managed services.

Web site: http://www.registrypro.pro/
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