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.CO Internet S.A.S. has announced the launch of its Global Sunrise Process at the Web 2.0 Expo. The structured Sunrise Process is using best practices to provide trademark and IP protection for registered trademark holders worldwide to successfully secure their eligible .CO domain.

To be eligible, trademarks of national effect from any country in the world must have been registered on or before July 30, 2008. The Sunrise Process will close on June 10, 2010 to make way for the next stage in the multi-phase launch plan, Landrush. During Landrush, registrants can secure high priority .CO domain names at a premium price prior to the public launch on July 20th.

"Throughout the launch of the Global Sunrise Process, we are implementing a number of important rights protection mechanisms to ensure for the fair and orderly distribution of domain names," said Juan Diego Calle, CEO of .CO Internet. "Our policies have been designed in consideration of the guidance set forth by ICANN's Intellectual Property Constituency, along with consultations with a variety of global domain registries."

.CO Internet Global Sunrise Process

In order to prevent some of the challenges that have occurred during select previous TLD launches, .CO Internet has set up a strict validation process, being administered by Deloitte, to ensure that all trademark owners' rights are respected and verified. Through Deloitte, .CO Internet has also set up an IP Clearinghouse to ensure applications are thorough and complete before being submitted to the .CO Registry.

Applications will not be granted on a first-come, first-serve basis during the Sunrise Process. Instead, applications will be collected through June 10th. Single validated applications will be awarded at the end of the Sunrise period. In the event that there is more than one entity applying for the same domain name, with each of them having corresponding trademarks, the name will go to auction through Pool.com to determine the owner of the domain name.

Be a Part of the .COmmunity

.CO Internet has several other opportunities for entrepreneurs and brand owners to engage with the .CO domain. Early adopters are able to take advantage of the .CO Founders Program, an initiative designed to help qualified "first movers" to proactively develop and maintain domains with the .CO extension prior to the public launch in July. The .CO Founders Program is open to all interested applicants from individuals to businesses and big brands.

Additionally, .CO Internet is launching its "Create Your Opportunity” contest at Pitch.co for aspiring entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas for a business, website or blog and compete for a $50,000 prize and the corresponding .CO domain name to build it on. The online community will be able to vote for their favorite pitch at Pitch.co. The top 30 vote-getters will advance to the finals where they will join a maximum of 7 pitches selected by the judges. Voting ends on June 14, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. One winner will be announced on June 20, 2010.

About .CO Internet

.CO Internet S.A.S. is the Registry Operator for the .CO top-level domain. Short, memorable and credible, .CO is the hot, new ending for web addresses all over the world. From start-ups and small businesses to big brands and multinational corporations, .CO is increasingly becoming the web address of choice for innovators and entrepreneurs across the globe. Please visit http://www.COinternet.co and http://www.go.co for more information. You can also follow us on Twitter @dotCO and at Facebook.com/dotCO. (Learn More)

Related topics: Domain Names, Registry Services, Top-Level Domains