Webnames.ca StaffOn March 26, 2013, Webnames.ca implemented a Trademark Clearinghouse validation page for all Trademark holders. This is in anticipation of the release of new generic top level domains (gTLDs).
What is the Trademark Clearinghouse?
The Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH) is a database of trademarks established by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in order to protect the intellectual properties and assets of all trademark holders.
How does the TMCH affect you?
The main role of the TMCH is to serve as a central repository for information related to the rights of trademark owners, and to store, authenticate and distribute these rights automatically. This will reduce the time needed to validate IP rights when registering for a domain under the new gTLDs by matching up trademark information stored in the TMCH and with public trademark information.
The secondary role of the TMCH is to protect the rights of all trademark holders and to prevent cybersquatting from occurring. When a customer attempts to register a domain name with an existing trademark in the TMCH, the customer will receive a warning that the creation of the domain may be considered cybersquatting. Additionally, the owner of the trademark will be notified of the potential IP infringement.
All trademark holders that have registered with the TMCH will be entitled to each gTLD’s Trademark Sunrise phase. During this period, all trademark holders will be able to register their trademarks prior to a gTLD’s release to the general public.
The use of the TMCH is required for all new gTLD registries and Webnames.ca advises all trademark owners to submit their trademark information as soon as possible to avoid infringement of their intellectual properties.
Let us help!
Our Managed Services department is on hand to help and can be reached at: 1-866-470-6820 or email: tmch@webnames.ca.
Trademark owners can also submit their trademark information by visiting www.webnames.ca/trademark and following the instructions on the page.