UAEnic extends deadline for companies to register trade names online under '.ae' domain

Although the period for registering trade marks had originally been set from June 15th though to September 15th 2002, UAEnic has extended that date to allow more companies to register their brand names under '.ae' (i.e. www.uaenic.ae).

"The exclusive period gives companies with legally registered trade names the opportunity to reserve that name under '.ae' commented Abdulla Hashim, UAEnic Manager. "During this period, anyone wishing to reserve a domain name must provide copies of their trade licence proving their legal right to that name. This limited period is designed to protect the trade names of companies and other organisations."

After October 1st, the registration process will be opened to anyone wishing to register a name under '.ae', whether private individual or business. This will be the first time that individuals are able to register under the '.ae' without a prefix. (i.e. www.abc.ae).

If a company fails to register before October 1st, therefore, they risk loosing the exclusive right to register their name under '.ae'.

The '.ae' domain is designed to replace '.co.ae' to provide a shorter domain name for companies. The '.co.ae' domain is no longer available following its discontinuation in January 2002. Although UAEnic provides other domains, for example '.gov.ae' for government organisations, and '.org.ae' for organisations, the current period applies only to the single '.ae' domain.

"After the October 1st deadline, some companies may find that another party has registered their domain name with UAEnic," added Hashim. Even if a company does not currently have an online presence, we strongly recommend they reserve their brand under the '.ae' domain to protect themselves in the future."

Should a company find their trade name has already been registered, however, UAEnic has devised a dispute resolution policy to rectify the situation. The policies of UAEnic have the full endorsement of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), the international organisation dedicated to promoting the use and protection of intellectual property. The endorsement makes UAEnic the first Top Level Domain (TLD) in the Middle East to obtain WIPO endorsement and the first to observe the best international standards and practices for domain name registration and disputes.

The exclusive period was designed to promote and increase the number of UAE registered businesses online and provide a national business identity on the Internet.

The '.ae' top level domain is similar to '.com' or '.co.uk' and allows Internet users to target Internet sites specifically associated with the UAE whilst also increasing the country's presence online.

Companies are charged a fee of AED150 per year for each domain they wish to register, with the charge being discounted for longer periods of time. In April 2002, UAEnic announced significant reductions in price of 25% for commercial entities and 60% for government and educational institutions.

To register during the exclusive period, companies must visit the nearest Etisalat office along with copy of their trade license and reserve the domain.