For .ape and .magic trademarks — D3 applies

Firm wants trademarks for fresh top level domain names.

D3, a firm that intends to apply for fresh top level domain names for various web3 communities, has filed internet-to-use U.S. trademark applications for .ape and .magic.

The firm has disclosed plans to apply for the .ape domain name in conjunction with Bored Ape Yacht Club. I’m not aware of an notice regarding .magic.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office does not approve trademarks for top level domain names.

I reached out to D3 for comment. Kevin Kreuser, Director of Legal and Compliance for D3, responded:

There is no brightline rule against trademark registrations covering domain name services involving TLDs. For example, fTLD has successfully registered trademarks for .bank and .insurance. The goal of filing the trademark applications is the same for all trademarks – we want to do whatever we practically can to do help guard consumers from confusion.

fTLD’s trademarks are for design marks (logos), not for the top level domain as a standard character mark.

It’s possible D3 is making a defensive move. Sphere Labs has applied for a trademark for .ape based on its web3 naming service for .ape. That firm states it also plans to apply for .ape when ICANN opens the next round of top level domain names.

In other news related to D3, Internet Naming Firm has assigned .vana to the firm, meaning it can start offering real domain name registrations. Internet Naming Firm’s founder, Shayan Rostam, is also the Chief Commercial officer of D3.