Domain Name - Domain Name Distribution And Registration

Along with developing dispute resolution policies, one of ICANN's primary roles is to oversee the distribution of Internet domain names and the assignment of IP addresses. The organization also is responsible for ending the domain name registration monopoly held by Herndon, Virginia-based Network Solutions Inc. (NSI) since it had agreed to take domain name assignation responsibilities from the U.S. government in 1993. Established in 1979, NSI was the first privately owned firm to offer domain name registration services. In 1995, NSI began charging a fee for domain name registration services. Each Internet site registering a domain name with NSI pays $70 for the first two years, and $35 per year thereafter.

Verisign bought NSI in March of 2000, taking over NSI's joint business of both selling domain names and controlling the registries, or master lists, of.com,.org, and.net addresses. Shortly after its formation, ICANN started accrediting new domain name registrars, such as Register.com, to compete with NSI. All registrars are required to adhere to the UDRP, and those who register for a domain name also must accept the terms of the UDRP. By signing a subscriber agreement, registrants declare that, as far as they know, their domain name, as well as the way in which it will be used, in no way violates trademark law. They also agree to participate in a dispute resolution proceeding in the event of a complaint.

NSI continues to control the three largest top-level domain registries. In mid-2001, ICANN announced its intent to introduce three new top-level domains over the next several months. The.biz domain will be operated by NeuLevel. Register.com will oversee the.pro domain, which will be split into three different domains:.med.pro for doctors;.law.pro for lawyers; and.cpa.acc.pro for accountants. The registrar of the third new top-level domain,.info, is yet unnamed. ICANN plans to launch four additional top-level domains by 2002.