LOS ANGELES — Network Solutions is targeting a string of adult-related and other gTLDs, which it describes as having “negative connotations,” by encouraging defensive registrations against their use.
In an email titled “Brand Snapshot Alert,” Network Solutions advises brand owners to protect themselves by registering the .adult, .porn, .sex, .sexy, .sucks, .wtf and .xxx versions of their existing domain names — commonsense advice that makes for a great promo — but which also underscores the continuing perception of “ickiness” the industry has among mainstream tech players.
“As your provider of online brand protection, we do everything we can to help you defend your company’s reputation,” the email reads. “Our defensive domain name registration program allows you to claim additional website addresses with negative connotations — like [domain].xxx — before anyone else.”
The message goes on to provide a “brand snapshot” graphic displaying the domain names associated with the recipient’s brand that are currently at risk.
Minds and Machines Group Ltd. (MMX), a publicly traded company on the London Stock Exchange that provides registry services for approximately 32 gTLDs, recently purchased ICM Registry, the registry operator for the .xxx, .porn, .sex and .adult gTLDs, in a reported $41M deal.
It is likely the company will see a surge in new registrations following Network Solutions' brand-protection initiative, including from adult companies seeking to expand their portfolios.
“We are excited to offer brand protection for mainstream brands,” MMX CEO Toby Hall told XBIZ, “as well as powerful keyword domains for the responsible adult industry.”