The top-level domain (TLD) .PROMO is a generic TLD (gTLD) that was delegated to the Root Zone of the DNS on the 19th of September, 2015, as stated by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). Afilias plc is the registry operator for .PROMO domain names as indicated in the Registry Agreement signed between ICANN and Afilias back in January 2015.
Top-level domains are the highest level in the hierarchy of domain names. They come right after the last dot in a web address. Some well-known examples include .COM, .NET, .ORG, etc. The .PROMO TLD is classified as a specialized or niche gTLD aimed primarily at usage in promotional activities, something that can be confirmed through the registry operator’s website.
A .PROMO domain can be valuable for businesses, individuals, and organizations that engage in promotions and offers. For example, a business named “XYZ” could register a domain such as “XYZ.PROMO” to advertise their special offers and discounts. This way, they could direct their customers to the .PROMO website for all promotional content, thus creating a focused and easily identifiable avenue for consumers to find deals related to the business.
However, it’s important to consider potential conflicts with trademark rights before registering a .PROMO domain. Legal experts often suggest consulting with a trademark attorney to understand the implications and possible legal issues associated with domain registration.
In terms of availability, .PROMO domains can be registered from various domain name registrars. Depending on the registrar, the price for registering a .PROMO domain can vary. As per ICANN regulations, registrars are free to set their prices for domain registrations.
In terms of usage, Afilias provides a “Rights Protection Mechanism” to safeguard the rights of trademark owners. Under this mechanism, a Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH) service is utilized, where trademark owners can register their trademarks with the TMCH, which subsequently provides them with an opportunity to register related domains under new gTLDs before they’re available to the public.
In conclusion, the .PROMO TLD creates a unique space for promotional content and offers a unique opportunity for businesses to highlight their promotional content to their target audience.
Sources:
1. ICANN: https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/program-status/delegated-strings
2. Afilias: https://afilias.info/
3. Trademark Clearinghouse: http://trademark-clearinghouse.com/
