Domain names are valuable assets in any business. If you already have one of the following extensions in Australia: .com.au, .net.au, .org.au, .gov.au and .edu.au then make sure you register for a new .au domain before 20 September 2022.
A domain name can be described as an address on the internet.
On 3 October 2022, .au direct domain names will become available to the public.
Eligible entities with an existing domain name may register early to secure their corresponding .au domain.
Failure to register by the 20 September 2022 deadline means that your corresponding .au domain will become available to the public for purchase. This may cause a range of issues for your business.
Firstly, someone may register the .au domain in order to disrupt your business. The existence of a domain identical to your own may cause confusion and direct traffic away from your website. Sometimes described as “cybersquatting”, the owner of the identical domain may seek to sell the domain to you for an exorbitant price.
Secondly, if someone registers an identical .au domain, they may use that domain in order to defraud you and your customers. By way of example, customers may believe they are corresponding with your business, given the fraudster’s use of a “yourbusiness”.au domain in their email. This may cause customers to hand over money and/or valuable information to the fraudster.
Therefore, it is vital that you register for a .au domain name as soon as possible and prior to the 20 September 2022 deadline.
To determine whether you are eligible, and to take steps to register, follow the links at https://www.auda.org.au/au-domain-names/au-domain-names/au-direct
If you require any advice in relation to domain names and your legal rights, do not hesitate to contact Iain Freeman and Andrew Sutton.
