Five year ‘Right of Registration’ for shorter .uk domain names reservation period ends on Tuesday
NOMINET, 21 June, OXFORD: .UK domain registrants with a third-level domain (.co.uk, .org.uk, .me.uk, .net.uk, .plc.uk or .ltd.uk) have until Tuesday morning to secure the shorter second level (.uk) equivalent, before it is made available to the public.
The deadline closes at 06:00 BST (UTC+1) on Tuesday, 25th June, the end of a five year ‘Right of Registration’ period set aside by Nominet in June 2014 to allow third-level domain registrants ample time to consider whether they would like to register their second-level equivalent.
Of the original ten million rights, around 1.8m are still available for the rights holder to exercise. Registrants can check if they have rights at www.theukdomain.uk/do-i-have-uk-rights/
As the deadline approaches, brands such as Samsung, Audi and Toyota have signed up.
After the deadline closes on Tuesday morning, all outstanding rights expire and the domains will become generally available in July.
Eleanor Bradley, MD of Registry Solutions, Nominet, said: “With the deadline approaching, companies and individuals need to take action now to avoid missing out on securing the shorter domain. By taking up the equivalent .uk they guarantee they – and no-one else – can use it now and in the future.
“But it’s a choice. In a world with hundreds of different domain endings already available, from .uk and .com to .london and .vip, we know not everyone will feel it’s a priority. For those happy with the .co.uk domain they already have, it is important to know that it will continue as normal.”
Further details on the Right of Registration period and the .uk domain can be found here.
Media enquires
Nominet Press Office, Brands2Life, +44 (0)20 7592 1200, [email protected]
About Nominet
Nominet has been at the forefront of innovation for over 20 years through its internet registry solutions, cyber security services and dynamic spectrum management. Driven by a commitment to use technology to improve connectivity, security and inclusivity online, Nominet is a profit with a purpose company supporting initiatives that contribute to a vibrant digital future. www.nominet.uk
About the Right of Registration
Those with .co.uk domains registered before midnight on 28 October 2013 were given five years to decide whether to register the corresponding .uk ending as well as, or instead of, their existing registration. If a .co.uk was not registered at that time, rights would have passed to the .org.uk, then the me.uk domain. No-one else could register these domains during the 5-year reservation period. Any unclaimed domains will be available on a first come, first served basis from 1 July.
Nominet’s wholesale price for domains is £3.75 per year.