Minds+Machines: Sunrise starts on 15 April for .FISHING, .VODKA, .RODEO, .COOKING, .COUNTRY, .HORSE

Minds + Machines Group gave out a gTLD Launch Programme and Sales Channel Update:

The Directors of Minds + Machines Group Limited (AIM: MMX) are pleased to provide an update on the launch programme of its portfolio of new top-level domains and the expansion of its registrar sales channel activity.

gTLD Launch Programme

On 1 April 2014, the first five of Minds + Machines wholly owned gTLD’s, .FISHING, .VODKA, .RODEO, .COOKING and .HORSE, as well as .COUNTRY in which the Company has a joint venture interest, were delegated into the Internet’s root zone. 15 April has therefore been set by the Company as the official launch date for the Group’s first batch of top-level domains.

On that date, the Minds + Machines registry will begin formally accepting applications from trademark holders via accredited registrars for available second-level domain names in .FISHING, .VODKA, .RODEO, .COOKING, .COUNTRY and .HORSE during what is known as the Sunrise period. Sixty days later, the application window will close and Minds + Machines will register the names to successful trademark holders. In the case of duplicate applications received from trademark holders for a name during the Sunrise, applicants will be invited to an auction to determine the winner.

A concurrent sixty-day period, called the Landrush, will also open on 15 April where the public and non-trademark holders can apply for names in the six domains through accredited registrars. The Landrush will operate in a similar fashion to the Sunrise in regard to duplicate applications. However, trademarked names registered as part of the Sunrise will have priority over Landrush applications for the same name.

Antony Van Couvering, CEO of the Group, said:

This is a key moment in the Company’s development. The first of our wholly-owned top-level domains is now live in the root zone of the Internet and we will shortly be able to begin taking orders and processing applications. We look forward to a successful rolling programme of top-level domain launches throughout 2014.

On April 29, the new top-level domain of its client, Dot London, will launch.

Sales Channel Update

TLDH is pleased also to report that the Group has continued to expand the number of registrars through which addresses in its wholly-owned domains can be retailed to the public. Registry-Registrar Agreements (“RRAs”), have now been signed with 41 ICANN-accredited registrars across Europe, Asia and US.

The Company likewise continues to develop the range of services available to the public through its wholly-own registrar, Minds + Machines Registrar Limited, and anticipates providing a further update in the near future.