Trademark Clearinghouse - TMCH - Brand protection
Upon the 2013 launch of new generic TLDs (Top-Level domains, also called domain extensions), a trademark protection database known as the Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH) was put in place. It enabled trademark owners to benefit from exclusive early domain registration periods, also known as Sunrise Periods.
The TMCH now also allows for cost efficient trademark monitoring. Whenever someone registers a domain name (including .com domains) using your registered trademark, you receive an email notification.
Benefits of registering your trademark with the TMCH
Sunrise Period
It’s the first phase after a TLD has officially launched. Sunrise services give trademark owners the opportunity to protect domain names corresponding to their trademarks.
You will need proof your trademark is registered with the Trademark Clearinghouse in order to register your domain name during the Sunrise Period.
Trademark Clearinghouse domain squatting warnings
During the 90 days following the opening of a TLD to the public, any registrant of a domain name matching a TMCH-registered trademark will have to acknowledge the existence of said trademark and the risks associated with its registration. This makes it easier to demonstrate the registrant’s bad faith in a URS (Uniform Rapid Suspension) dispute. URS filings are quicker and cheaper than UDRP (Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy) complaints.
Trademark active monitoring
As soon as a domain name matching your trademark is registered, you receive an email notification.
All new TLDs as well as the .com are covered by this alert system.
How do I register my trademark with the TMCH?
Please contact our sales team to learn more about the TMCH registration eligibility criteria and process.