More than a decade after the initial round, ICANN—the authority responsible for managing domain names—is relaunching a new program to open personalized Internet extensions based on your brand or company name. For example, it will be possible to create addresses like:
🔹 www.intellectualproperty.santarelli
🔹 or variants like www.patent.santarelli or www.trademark.santarelli
Several French companies, such as BNP PARIBAS (www.mabanque.bnpparibas) and MMA (www.zerotracas.mma), quickly understood the economic, legal, and marketing advantages of this opportunity.
Specifically, a brand-based extension enhances protection against fraud, phishing, counterfeiting, and cybersquatting, since the owner of the domain is its unique holder. This exclusivity boosts user trust, as they are aware that they are visiting the official site of the company.
A Long-Term Strategic Project
Obtaining a .BRAND extension involves a rigorous, multi-year process with significant costs. Applications must be submitted by May 2026, with domain activations expected in 2027–2028.
Our legal team is available to assist you at every step, from preparation to final submission.
Our Domain Name Services:
Santarelli also offers a comprehensive range of services to manage and enhance your domain name assets, including:
- Reservation and renewal strategies aligned with your trademarks portfolio and strategic goals;
- Tailored audits to assess the relevance of domain registrations (owner, redirections, website activity, etc.);
- Legal monitoring of domain names (generic or brand-specific) to detect potential risks to your rights;
- Third-party URL surveillance: receive alerts in case of WHOIS data changes or suspicious activity;
- Back-order setup: priority access to targeted domains upon expiration;
- Anonymous domain acquisitions via our trusted broker;
- Formal notices drafted based on trademark or domain rights infringements, to remove or recover disputed domains;
- Extrajudicial procedures (such as UDRP, PARE) to assert your rights without going through court
A Strategic Partner at Your Side:
Santarelli offers trusted expertise to protect, manage, and enhance your digital assets.
Feel free to contact us for more information.
By Bérénice AUBERT
