As new domain extensions continue to launch, brand owners have an opportunity to secure important domain names before they become available to the wider public.
One of the key tools available to trade mark holders is the Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH).
What is the TMCH?
The Trademark Clearinghouse is a centralised database of verified trade mark information used within the new generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) program.
Rather than having to validate your trade mark separately each time a new domain extension launches, eligible trade marks can be recorded with the TMCH and used to support participation in certain rights protection mechanisms across new gTLDs.
Importantly, having a registered trade mark does not automatically mean it is registered with the TMCH. A separate TMCH application and verification process is required.
What is a Sunrise period?
Before many new domain extensions become generally available, registries operate a Sunrise period.
Sunrise gives eligible trade mark holders an opportunity to apply for domain names matching their verified marks before registrations open to the general public.
To participate in a Sunrise period, the relevant trade mark will generally need to be validated through the TMCH. Once validated, the trade mark holder receives a Signed Mark Data (SMD) file, which is used to demonstrate eligibility when submitting a Sunrise application.
For businesses with important brands, this provides an opportunity to secure key domain names early rather than competing for them once General Availability begins.
More than just Sunrise access
TMCH also supports the Trademark Claims service.
During the applicable Claims period for a new gTLD, someone attempting to register a domain that matches a TMCH-recorded mark may receive a notice informing them of the trade mark rights associated with that term.
If they proceed with the registration, the relevant trade mark holder may also receive notification.
This doesn’t automatically prevent the domain from being registered, but it provides an additional layer of visibility that can help brand owners identify potentially problematic registrations early.
Does every trade mark need to be in the TMCH?
Not necessarily.
TMCH is particularly worth considering where an organisation has a valuable or well-known brand and wants to participate in upcoming Sunrise periods.
It can also form part of a broader domain and brand protection strategy alongside defensive registrations, domain monitoring and blocking solutions such as GlobalBlock.
Why think about TMCH now?
With new domain extensions continuing to enter the market, organisations should consider their domain strategy before a relevant Sunrise period begins.
Waiting until General Availability may mean the desired domain is available to anyone on a first-come, first-served basis.
Brandsec can assist with reviewing existing trade marks, managing TMCH applications and identifying upcoming domain launches that may be relevant to your organisation.
Want to know whether your brands are TMCH-ready?
Speak with the Brandsec team about reviewing your trade marks and preparing for upcoming new gTLD launches.
About brandsec
brandsec is a team of highly experienced domain name management and online brand protection experts. We provide corporate domain name management and brand enforcement services, helping brands eliminate phishing platforms across the internet. Supporting some of the largest brands in the region, we offer innovative solutions to combat threats across multiple industries.
