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UPDATE - Minds + Machines warming up for first batch of top-level domains

Published: 08:17 03 Apr 2014 EDT

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Minds + Machines’ (LON:MMX) first batch of web address endings are set to go live in the coming weeks, the company has revealed.

The top level domains, .FISHING, .VODKA, .RODEO, .COOKING and .HORSE, as well as .COUNTRY, will be launched on 15 April.

The company, formerly Top Level Domains Holdings, said its registry will being accepting applications from trademark holders on that date during what is known in the industry as the ‘sunrise’ period.

The window for applications is open for 60 days. If there are duplicate applications, the applicants will be invited to an auction to determine the winner.

Another 60-day period, called the ‘landrush’, will then open when public and non-trademark holders can apply for names. Trademarked names have priority over landrush applications.

Chief executive Antony Van Couvering 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.”

The company added that on 29 April, the new top-level domain of its client Dot London (.london) will be launched, with businesses in the UK’s capital expected to rush to register their interest in the web ending.

The company also reported that it has continued to expand the number of registrars through which addresses in its wholly-owned domains can be retailed to the public. Agreements have now been signed with 41 ICANN-accredited registrars across Europe, Asia and the US.

Broker N+1 Singer stressed that it has taken years to get to this stage, but said the generic top-level domain programme is now in full flow, with Minds + Machines a key player as one of the largest applicants along with Google and Amazon.

“We expect the news flow over the next few months on private auctions, launch dates, customer registration metrics from Landrush and Sunrise periods, to drive further interest in the shares,” said analyst Tintin Stormont. 

“In the near term, we believe the launch of .LONDON on the 29th of April will again highlight the potential of this exciting market.”

The shares picked up 1.5% to 17p.


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