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Trademark subdomain already implemented in France (Was: Re: Shareddomains)

David Medinets <medined@planet.net> wrote:
> Since tradenames seem to exist within a
> governmental framework, a specific iTLD
> can be created to reflect this fact. For
> example, .tn.fr and .tn.usa can be created
> for tradenames in France and the USA.
>
> It might also be a good idea to create
> .rtm for registered trademark.

  Note that the French national registry (www.nic.fr) has already  
implemented this policy. A company wishing to register a brand name must  
provide a proof of its registration with the national trademark office,  
and the domain will live under .tm.fr.

  Other subdomains were created under .fr, following the demand from  
various groups of organizations, e.g. associations, lawyers, government  
(with plenty of subdomains for various emanations of national and local  
government and administration), etc.

  This policy has only been effective for a few months, so it might be a  
little early to comment, but my feeling is that entities concerned by  
name conflicts and legal constraints are rather satisfied by this scheme,  
as it reflects the pre-existing classification systems that they are  
comfortable with. On the othed hand, the more net-minded organizations  
tend to flee from the red tape associated with registering under .fr or  
its subdomains, and happily register their favorite names under .com,  
.org or .net (until new iTLDs start appearing...)

  But can we have both an easy process and strict regulations ? As  
usual, let's create both, let the market choose, and let the lawyers win  
;-)

  Seriously, I second John Postel's opinion that domain names should not  
be assimilated to a company or trademark database...

    Jean-Francois Groff <jfg@infodesign.net>  (NeXT-Mail & MIME OK)
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