The Sunrise and Landrush periods of South Africa’s city Top Level Domains (cTLD) launched today, allowing trademark holders to apply for their chosen domain names.
“The parallel Sunrise and Landrush periods begin today and are intended to protect the rights of intellectual property owners who will receive priority when it comes to registering domain names within the dotJoburg (.joburg), dotCapeTown (.capetown) and dotDurban (.durban) cTLDs,” the South African Central Registry (ZACR) said.
The parallel period will run for 90 days with point general availability to follow, allowing any internet user globally to register for a South African cTLD on a first come, first served basis.
“The imminent availability of the [the cTLDs] is a golden opportunity for organisations and individuals with a particular affinity for South Africa’s three best-known cities to claim a piece of their valuable brands,” said Vika Mpisane, chief executive officer (CEO) of the ZA Domain Name Authority.
Registration of names will be processed through an individuals chosen accredited registrar.
“As is normal practice, different registrars will charge different prices due to bundled services they provide in addition to the basic domain name registration fee,” said Mpisane.
In order to assist in the adjudication of competing cTLD disputes, the ZACR has set up a trademark protection system, called the Mark Validation System.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock
