DOT AU –  Are you ready to protect your web presence for your brand?

By Chris Smith

DOT AU – The .au domain launched on the 24th of March. Are you ready to protect your web presence for your brand?

On the 24th of March this year, the .au domain names was launched.

This is a shorter, simpler domain name for anyone with a verified connection to Australia.

If you already own a domain name such as “.com.au” or “.net.au” then you’ll have priority access to register the exact match in .au.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS TO YOUR BUSINESS?

1. Another business with a similar domain to your current domain may take ownership of the “.au” domain before you do.
2. You must apply during the 6 month Priority Allocation Period.

WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES TO YOUR BUSINESS?

1. You may have had your eye on a domain name that is simpler, shorter, or better reflects updated branding for your business.
2. There could be an opportunity to register the less favourable “.net.au” domain NOW (before the 24th of March), and if the current owner of the “.com.au” name does not apply for the “.au” name within the 6 month Priority Allocation Period then you will likely take ownership of the “.au” name.
3. Perhaps you have the “.net.au”, however traffic is more regularly flowing to the “.com.au” domain.
4. If your domain name has been in place since before 4 February 2018, you will be considered a Category 1 applicant to take ownership of the “.au” domain.
5. If multiple Category 1 applicants apply for the “.au” Domain, all applicants need to “agree on the allocation”, otherwise the name “remains unallocated”. Even if this results in a stalemate, you would be protecting the other business from taking ownership of the “.au”.

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?

VISIT: auDA 

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS FOR PROTECTING YOUR BRAND?

Is now the right time to check the protection of your brand?

• Trademarks (updated for any brand changes?)
• Business names registrations
• Company name registrations (or change of company name to reflect business name)

If you have any questions in regards to the above, feel free to reach out to our team at admin@brentnallswa.com.au or call us on (08) 6212 7200.