Multiple .hk domain names available

URGENT: Sunrise period 1  –  8 June 2001  

Hong Kong companies will be allowed to register multiple .hk domain names from 1 June 2001.

After a lot of discussion and talk, the Hong Kong Domain Name Registration Company Limited, which is responsible for allocation of .hk domain names, has announced new rules which take effect on 1 June 2001.

The new rules not only permit the registration of more than one .hk domain name, but provide a " Sunrise Period " giving first priority to those companies who can prove that they have registered trade marks or service marks in Hong Kong which are identical with or contain the whole of the domain names being applied for. Second priority will be given to those companies who have applied for registration of trade marks or service marks in Hong Kong on or before 30 April 2001 which are identical with or contain the whole of the domain names being applied for.

For overseas companies who have subsidiary companies in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong subsidiary company can apply for registration of the .hk domain names and rely on the Hong Kong trademark registration in the name of the overseas parent company to claim priority during the Sunrise Period.

Should you own famous marks registered in Hong Kong, you are strongly advised to apply for registration of your marks as .hk domain names during the Sunrise Period. As certified copies of the registration certificates issued by the Hong Kong Trade Marks Registry are required to be submitted, immediate action is advised.

Re-registration 

The new rules also require that all existing registrations and applications of .hk domain names to be re-registered before 31 May 2001 in order to maintain those registrations and applications. 

Transfer 

Under the new rules, companies are free to transfer their .hk domain names as long as both parties consent.

Prepared on 18 May 2001.

The above legal information is provided for general reference only. Advice of qualified Hong Kong lawyers should be sought in respect of any particular circumstances arising under the Ordinances referred to in this update.