Donuts, Inc. previously launched several new generic top-level domain names (gTLDs) starting in November of 2013, with more coming between May through July of 2014.  Along with providing many gTLDs, Donuts has also launched its Domains Protected Marks List (DPML) to protect trademarked domains against cybersquatting.  The service provided under the DPML allows trademark holders, for a low cost, to protect their marks by blocking trademark-related terms from being registered at the second level, or the characters before the dot, from infringing registrations. 

The process is rather straight forward:

1. One must register their trademarked domains with ICANN’s Trademark Clearinghouse.
2. Next, brand owners must submit exact match mark or term to the DPML.
3. Once the mark or term is verified, those are blocked in Donuts gTLDs, which means a domain name that has those marks or terms are not functional or not able to be used for a website URL, email address or any other domain name-related purposes.
4. Finally, certain restrictions do apply for premium names, three-character names or other specific types of applications of service.

This protection service provides another level of defense for trademarked domains against cybersquatting at the front end at a cost-effective alternative to filing a lawsuit for trademark infringement or domain name disputes.  For more information or assistance with the DPML, contact one of our experienced trademark and domain name attorneys and lawyers.