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sunrise phase domain[/caption]What’s the Sunrise Phase period?
The Sunrise period is an exclusive protection period reserved for trademark holders registered with the Trademark Clearinghouse. During this period, only trademark holders can register a domain name. The Sunrise period allows them to register domain names that identically match their trademarks before registration opens to the general public on a first come, first served basis. Once the Sunrise period is over, registration opens to non-trademark holders.
How long does the Sunrise phase period last?
The Sunrise period lasts at least 30 days. Depending on the extension, it can last longer. The dotShabaka Sunrise period will ends on December 29, 2013 at 23:59 UTC. The Sunrise period will be followed by the Landrush period starting on January 2, 2014 at 00:00 UTC.
What are the criteria to be eligible for the Sunrise phase period?
Only trademark holders and their agents are eligible for the Sunrise period. In order to join the Sunrise period, they must be registered with the Trademark Clearinghouse and provide a Signed Mark Data (SMD) file to the registrar.
How do I obtain a Signed Mark Data file (SMD) file?
An SMD file allows you to prove you are a trademark holder/agent. This document is compulsory if you are wanting to register domain names during the Sunrise period.
The Trademark Clearinghouse is the entity generating the SMD files. In order to obtain this document, please email our Sales team at sales@Synifex.com to discuss registring with the Trademark Clearinghouse.
For how long can I register my domain during the Sunrise phase period?
During the Sunrise period, you are able to register a domain name for 1 to 10 years, depending on the registry rules.
Is it better to submit my application at the beginning of the Sunrise phase period or at the end?
It depends on the extension, but for dotShabaka, the submission date doesn’t really matter. The Sunrise period is an End Date Sunrise period, and not based on first come, first served. That means there is no difference between submitting your application on day one or on day 59 of the Sunrise period. All the applications will be reviewed for approval and allocated only once the Sunrise period ends.
Who will review my application? Synifex?
"Synifex" will not review Sunrise applications. Your application will be reviewed by The Trademark Clearinghouse once the Sunrise period ends. Prior to your application submission, please ensure your trademark is registered in the correct language and that it matches the domain name.
When will registration be open to everyone?
This depends on the domain extension, some will enter General Availability immediately after Sunrise, whilst others will have optional Landrush, Pioneers, and Premium Phases.
Regarding, dotShabaka, the Landrush period will start on January 2, 2014 at 00:00 UTC. Contrary to the Sunrise period, the Landrush period won’t be reserved to trademark holders, any eligible party will be able to apply for a domain name.