Sensitivities of Middle East brand owners reflected in launch of .xxx domain

In a traditionally conservative region with values based on the Islamic faith, many brand owners will be extremely concerned by any potential association between their brands and the "adult entertainment" industry.

With reports of over 150,000 pre-registration requests being made for .xxx domain names (even before the launch of the domain was announced) the scope for brands to be misappropriated and used inappropriately is clear. Thankfully, for brand owners sensitive to having their reputation tarnished in this way, the launch of the .xxx domain will include a mechanism for trade mark owners to obtain blocking registrations which prevent the use of their registered trade marks as part of a .xxx domain name.