July 12, 1996
TO: MEMBERS - ONE PER COMPLEX No. 57-96
OPERATIONS COMMITTEE No. 12-96
SEC RULES COMMITTEE No. 73-96
SUBCOMMITTEE ON ADVERTISING No. 20-96
RE: REGISTRATION OF INTERNET DOMAIN NAMES
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As part of the process of establishing a presence on the Internet, investment companies must
obtain a "domain name." Domain names are alphanumeric computer addresses that the public can use to
obtain access to an investment companys Internet site. Internet domain names are assigned in the
United States by Network Solutions, Inc., a government subcontractor, which assigns domain names on a
first come/first serve basis.
The Institute encourages all members who are contemplating establishing an Internet site to take
steps to register a domain name. Information regarding domain name registration can be obtained from
Network Solutions either by telephone (at 703/742-4777) or through the World Wide Web (at
http://rs.internic.net/).
The Institute has learned that, in at least one instance, an entity has registered a series of domain
names that resemble or are identical to the names of a number of investment companies. A list of the
domain names registered by that entity is attached. Network Solutions provides a procedure in which the
owner of a registered trademark in the U.S. or abroad can dispute the use of its trademark by another
entity who has registered and used the trademark as a domain name. A copy of the procedure is attached.
Under the procedure, the owner of a registered trademark can file an objection with Network
Solutions if it discovers that another entity is using the trademark as a domain name. Within 30 days of
the filing, the domain-name user must demonstrate that it has a trademark registration for the contested
domain name and must post a bond that is sufficient to cover any damages sought by the registered
trademark owner. If the domain-name user is unable to show that it has a trademark registration,
Network Solutions will suspend use of the domain name until the dispute is resolved by a court or
arbitration order or through a settlement. If the domain-name user provides evidence that it holds a
registered trademark for the name, then Network Solutions will allow the user to continue using the
domain name unless it receives a court order or arbitrator s judgment to the contrary.
Alexander C. Gavis
Assistant Counsel
Attachment