This first phase of the registration process, known as a sunrise period, will last until 6th February 2006, after which the second phase will kick in, allowing company names and artistic names to be registered too.
After two months, from 7th April, registration will be open to all.
The .eu sunrise period follows the standard process for new domain name roll-outs, letting owners of registered trade marks, organisations and companies protect their domain names against abusive registrations by cybersquatters. During this period applicants have four weeks to provide proof of their existing rights. If they cannot comply, the names will be released for others to register.
All phases will follow a first-come-first-served principle.
Parties interested in registering a domain should consult an accredited registrar – a list of which is available from the EURid website. EURid warns that the cost of registering a .eu domain will vary according to registrar.
