Euro-MP urges London businesses to register for EU domain name.

6.08.19pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 1st Dec 2005

Sarah surfs the web

London's Liberal Democrat Euro-MP Baroness Sarah Ludford is urging businesses to take advantage of the new .eu domain name, comparable to .com or .org. She said:

"Businesses which choose an EU domain name will benefit from greater visibility across the EU, as internet users will be able to search the entire .eu domain, rather than individual national ones such as .uk, or .fr. This is a significant step forward for the Single Market, and it will allow businesses to forge a truly European identity."

Next week marks the opening of the "sunrise period" whereby people can register to receive domain names. As of 7th December 2005, trademark holders and public bodies will be able to register, companies will be able to register their names from 7th February 2006, and registration will be opened to the general public on 6th April 2006. Sarah Ludford added:

"A large proportion of British trade is conducted through the EU, which is the world's largest trading block. By adopting an EU domain name, companies will find it easier to reach out globally across the world wide web."

Notes to Editors

• The use of a "sunrise period" is an important safeguard against internet fraud. By limiting registration to right-holders for a specific period, it prevents "cybersquatting," whereby unscrupulous users register the trademarks or names of a company or organization and attempt to sell it on to them at a profit.

• Applications for an EU domain name must be made through an accredited registrar, a full list of whom can be found at http://list.eurid.eu/registrars/ListRegistrars.htm?lang=en