Plus service starts today — Donuts’ Claims
Trademark Claims end, Claims Plus begins.
One of the Rights Protections measures in place for fresh top level domain names is the Trademark Claims service.
For 90 days following a fresh TLD enters general availability, registrars must show a notice if a second level domain name registration matches a mark in the Trademark Clearinghouse.
Donuts’ first batch of seven domain names (.ventures, .singles, .bike, .holdings, .plumbing, .guru, .clothing) concluded the 90 day period yesterday, which means registrars no longer have to show the warnings.
Donuts offers an extended rights protection measure called “Claims Plus”, which essentially extends trademark claims noticed indefinitely. The service kicks in today.
Still, registrars have to opt-in to show Claims Plus notices. I doubt many will participate as they have no incentive to scare off a potential domain registrant.
Even following the initial Trademark Claims period expires, the Trademark Clearinghouse will continue to notify trademark holders when a domain that matches a mark is registered. Registrars just don’t have to show warnings anymore.
