Do you have an existing Australian domain name?

In March this year, the .au Domain Administration (auDA) launched the ‘.au’ direct domain namespace (e.g. domain.au), which is open to anyone with a verified Australian presence, such as an Australian company registration or an Australian trade mark registration.

Registering in the .au direct namespace allows for a domain name that is shorter, more memorable, and easier to type and display on mobile devices. Even where your business has no intention to use .au direct domain name, registration can also be used as a defensive strategy to prevent against cybersquatting or third parties posing as your business online.

Priority allocation for existing registrants – ending 21 September 2022

1. Registrants with an existing Australian domain name (e.g. com.au, net.au, org.au, asn.au, id.au, gov.au or edu.au) currently have priority access to register an exact match of that name in the .au direct namespace, and can apply to do so in accordance with the auDA’s Priority Allocation Process.
2. The registration deadline for priority allocation of .au direct domain names is 21 September 2022 9:59AM AEST.
3. Existing Australian domain names must have been registered prior to 24 March 2022 to qualify for priority allocation in the .au direct namespace. Foreign companies with an existing Australian domain name who currently rely upon an Australian trade mark registration to demonstrate an Australian presence can also participate in the Priority Allocation Process.
4. From 4 October, .au direct names will be released from priority hold and opened to the public. Any available names can be registered by any member of the public with an Australian presence. Having an Australian company name or a registered trade mark does not necessarily give you the exclusive right to a corresponding domain name, and so once the priority period ends, you will only be apply to register your .au direct match if it is still available.
5. To register for priority allocation, and avoid the risk of missing out on a .au direct registration, follow the steps provided by your domain name registrar or any other accredited registrar before 21 September 2022.

How Dentons can assist

For more information on the .au direct namespace, the priority allocation process, and what it means for your existing domain name or trade mark registrations, please contact our IPT team. We can provide advice on how to best protect your brand online and your intellectual property more generally.