<- Back Notice: All domain registration applications for the .biz domain are subject to the terms of and bound by our agreement, as well as the ICANN Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP). In an effort to answer the growing demand for an increased quantity and variety of domains on the web, Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) recently approved .biz as one of seven additional top-level domains (TLDs). As the first Internet domain dedicated solely to the needs of businesses around the world, the launch of .biz represents and important milestone in the progress and development of the Internet. The global reach of the .biz registry and its essential role in defining future business success will translate directly into increased demand for domain names in this new arena! .biz Registration Schedule Phase 1 - Intelectual Property (IP) Claim Service (May 21 – August 6, 2001) The IP Claim Service is designed to help registered and common law trademark and service mark owners protect their valuable intellectual property (IP) rights against potential infringement and cybersquatters during the launch of the .biz registry. To file an IP claim use this form.   Phase 2 - Domain Name Application (June 25 - September 17) All domains submitted during the Domain Name Application period require a minimum 2-year registration period. The Domain Name Application phase allows businesses and individuals to submit domain name requests prior to the actual launch of .biz. At the end of the Domain Name Application window (September 25), domain names will be awarded to selected registrants. In cases where there are multiple applications for the same name, all applications will be randomized prior to the selection of one application to receive the name. Because Step 2 provides entry into the Name Selection process, it increases the chances of a registrant receiving their first choice of names. By waiting, the desired .biz domains may already be taken.   Phase 2 - Registry Live (October 1, 2001) All domains registered during Registry Live require a minimum 1-year registration period. Registry Live is an indefinite period of time that is scheduled to begin shortly after the end of the Domain Name Selection. During this time period, domain registrations are available to businesses and will be processed in real-time, on a first-come, first-served basis. Why choose .biz?   There are a wide variety of reasons that .biz may represent your best choice for new domain registrations: Availability - Many of the most common or useful names in the .com, .net, and .org namespaces have long since been registered. A poll of active operating registrars conducted by SnapNames.com shows that 97% of user attempts to register a .com domain fail!! The availability of the new .biz domain presents an opportunity for you to extend and enhance your company's presence on the web. Restricted Access - Unlike an unrestricted gTLD, but without the hassles of a sponsored domain, the .biz domain maintains a much sharper focus on delivering value to a specific market. The .biz registry uses the latest technology to provide a more timely and secure Internet address for your business. This new domain is poised to set a new global standard for business by providing a services offering that enables commerce and communication. Protection of Interests - Many existing domain registrations represent valid and legitimate business interests. As the launch of .biz progresses, it is important for businesses to seize the opportunity provided by the registry to protect those interests. Neulevel, the .biz registry operator, is offering a number of options for businesses to further enhance the protection of their interests. Upon launch of the .biz Registry, Claimants who participated in the IP Claim Service will be notified of the status of their Claims. The Registry will place an automatic 30-day hold on all domain names for which there is a match within the IP Claim database. This period is intended to provide the Claimant and the successful registrant the opportunity to contact one another and resolve conflicts regarding intellectual property rights. Promotion - Neulevel, the company responsible for the .biz registry has publicly announced it's commitment to the promotion of the .biz domain as an environment designed specifically for businesses, which creates a platform for the Internet-based solutions of the future. Summary - The new .biz domain has been designed to promote business on the Internet, utilizing the most advanced data formats and architecture available to provide a more stable, scalable and secure domain name service. Over time, companies with a .biz address will be able to fully utilize the power of the Internet by implementing enhanced communication and commerce processes.