Canon Discloses Plans for .Canon Top Level Domain Name
USA.canon instead of USA.canon.com?
Electronics firm Canon has disclosed plans to apply for the .canon top level domain name, when such domain names become available. In a press release, Canon states:
With the adoption of the fresh gTLD system, which enables the direct utilization of the Canon brand, Canon hopes to globally integrate open communication policies that are intuitive and easier to remember compared with existing domain names such as “canon.com.” Canon has made the official decision to begin necessary procedures to acquire “.canon” upon the introduction of the fresh system. Following approval for the fresh gTLD system, which is expected to take place following the latter half of 2011, Canon will make full use of the fresh domain name to increase the convenience and effectiveness of its online communications.
Most firms have not publicly disclosed plans to operate a brand top level domain name. Still, some firms have shown an interest, if not to at least have the right to get their .brand. For example, Hewlett-Packard has complained regarding not being able to get .hp since it doesn’t meet the three character requirement.
What will be really interesting is when a firm that has been fighting fresh TLDs on trademark cost grounds decides to throw its hat in the ring. With the EOI process nixed, we might not see this until the application period opens.
(Hat tip @newgtlds)
