.XXX Launches Today

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL.—ICM Registry, the company behind the .XXX top level domain is officially open for applications today with the launch of the Sunrise program, which is the first part of the three-part rollout of .XXX.  Sunrise A allows both registered trademark owners and those with existing registered domain names to apply for .XXX domain names.  If you own an existing domain name that isn’t trademarked, for example adultdomain.com, you can apply during Sunrise A for the matching .XXX domain name. The process is designed to respect existing brands and “grandfathers” domains without the risk of losing a domain based on a first-come, first-served launch process that’s common with new top-level domains. The Sunrise A period runs for 52 days starting September 7.  All .XXX registrations can be done through an .XXX accredited registrar such as Go Daddy, Moniker, Network Solutions, or DirectNic. ICM has embarked on a global advertising campaign starting with $3 million to promote the use and awareness of .XXX domains by taking full-page advertisements today in newspapers such as the LA Times and the Financial Times. These campaigns will be followed by similar advertising campaigns in the coming weeks. The mainstream media is already aggressively covering the .XXX launch including BBC, Bloomberg TV, CNBC, Mashable, Sky News, Washington Times and The Independent (UK), to name a few. For more information, visit www.about.xxx.