Understanding the Trademark Clearinghouse

In today’s rapidly evolving online environment, protecting intellectual property rights becomes more crucial than ever. With the introduction of numerous new generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs) such as .XYZ, .ONLINE, .SHOP, the digital landscape has opened up new avenues for brand exposure, but it has also brought significant risks.

These risks include domain squatting and deliberate brand impersonation, both of which pose serious threats to brand integrity. Domain squatters may seize variations of brand names, diverting traffic and diluting brand identity. Additionally, malicious actors may exploit new gTLDs to impersonate brands, deceiving customers and tarnishing reputations.

In this dynamic digital environment, proactive measures are essential for brand protection. This entails not only securing preferred domain names but also actively monitoring brand usage online. Taking prompt action against any instances of infringement is vital to mitigate the impact and preserve brand reputation.

What is the Trademark Clearinghouse?

The Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH) is an essential tool in navigating this digital landscape. Established by ICANN as a rights protection mechanism, the TMCH is specifically designed to protect brand owners in the expansive domain of new gTLDs.

These new gTLDs, such as .LINK, .APP, .MUSIC, offer businesses diverse and industry-specific options to better reflect their identities and offerings, departing from the traditional .COM or .NET domains.

TMCH is a centralized database of verified trademarks, connected to every new gTLD that launches.

How does it work?

Brand owners can submit their trademark data to our centralized database before or during the launch of new gTLDs.

Once the trademark data is verified, a unique authentication key is provided (the SMD-file), granting access to participate in every Sunrise period of the new gTLDs. This period gives trademarks a first priority in domain name registration. A trademark in the Clearinghouse is the minimum requirement to register a corresponding domain name during the Sunrise period.

During the 90-day period after the Sunrise period of a new gTLD, which is called the Claims period, domain name registrants that register a domain name matching a trademark record in the Clearinghouse receive a notice that they are potentially infringing a brand owner’s rights. The notice requires an acknowledgment before the registration can be completed, unless the domain name registrant cancels the registration. If the registration proceeds, the Trademark Clearinghouse promptly notifies the brand owner of the domain name registration. The notification contains the trademarked name, enabling immediate action by the brand owner against any potential trademark infringement from the domain name registrant.

Furthermore, TMCH clients receive notifications of potential intellectual property infringement indefinitely beyond the 90-day Claims period of the new gTLD, ensuring timely awareness of any domain name activities that match their trademarks recorded in the Clearinghouse.

Unlike reactive services that lag behind, the Trademark Clearinghouse offers proactive brand protection services. It serves as the only proactive protection service currently available, providing brand owners with a comprehensive defense strategy in the online landscape. For businesses seeking both proactive protection and comprehensive defense against online threats, the TMCH remains the indispensable solution.

Why the Trademark Clearinghouse matters

With the internet experiencing an unprecedented expansion, over 1200 new gTLDs have already launched, accumulating more than 36 million registered names. Protecting intellectual property now requires a strategic approach. The Trademark Clearinghouse simplifies this process by granting trademark holders priority access to domain names in new gTLDs, offering an early warning system for domain name registrants, and notifying trademark holders of potential infringements. TMCH clients are promptly informed about potential infringements, regardless of ongoing TLD launches. This proactive and reactive approach ensures readiness against potential online threats.

Key Benefits

– Priority registration rights for a domain name containing the brand name in any new gTLD yet to launch, ensuring that the verified trademark is protected from potential unauthorized registrations.
– Early warning messages to individuals attempting to register domain names matching a verified trademark.
– Continuously receiving notifications to stay informed about potential infringement on both exact trademarks and variations (fuzzy matches), such as those with slight alterations like “example1” or “examplee.” This coverage extends across every new gTLD and Legacy TLDs like .COM, .ORG, and .INFO.
– Access to Blocking products, like Global Block, DPML, Nameblock and AdultBlock, providing the option to restrict the availability of a brand name in domain names.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Submission: Start by registering your trademarks in the database of the Trademark Clearinghouse.
2. Verification: Our thorough verification process will confirm the legitimacy of your trademark and determine the eligibility for the Trademark Clearinghouse services.
3. Protection: Once verified, benefit from both proactive and reactive brand protection solution.
Ready to effectively protect your brand online? Get started with the Trademark Clearinghouse today and take the first step towards a secure online usage of your brand.