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London gets go ahead for new ‘.london’ internet domain


WEBWIRE

The Mayor Boris Johnson has welcomed news that London has been given the green light to develop a top level internet domain - .london – to boost the city’s online identity and create a valuable revenue stream.

Cities around the world such as New York, Berlin and Paris are currently applying for the rights to use a city suffix which operates in the same way as .com, .org and .net. Following a bid from London & Partners supported by the Mayor, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has confirmed (Friday 7 June) that London’s application has been approved. The new domain opens up a range of exciting options including the ability for businesses and individuals to register .london names including email addresses. This would have the benefit of products and services being more strongly associated with the London ‘brand’ online. Profits from the sale of the .london name would be invested back into the city.

Working with the Mayor’s office, London & Partners will be developing a detailed policy on the management of the new domain, which has a working title of Dot London, to ensure the opportunity is maximised. This will include continuing consultations with a range of key stakeholders such as London First, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Transport for London and London boroughs. It is expected that the domain will be launched in phases from early 2014.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said, “Acquiring the .london online suffix is an exciting way we can reinforce our position as a world leading digital innovator. Using this virtual moniker will offer the ultimate association with the greatest city on earth, which in turn will generate a valuable revenue stream to invest back into London. This is an important first step and we will now be developing detailed plans to ensure we maximise the opportunities this project presents.”

Gordon Innes, CEO, London & Partners said, “The Dot London project brings variety and choice to the domain name market around one of the most famous city names in the world. We will be working hard with our partners in the months ahead to create opportunities for London and Londoners, and ensure a successful launch of the new domain.”

Lisa Smith, Director of Sales & Revenue, Radisson Blu Edwardian said, “As a brand born in London, our association with the city is vitally important giving a trusted global brand a cosmopolitan edge. London’s creative energy infuses the development of our two new restaurant brands opening across the city. The .london address would help position these brands as innovative and ahead of the curve.”

Those interested in receiving news and information about Dot London can visit www.mydotlondon.com

Notes to Editors

About Dot London
• London & Partners has set up a subsidiary, Dot London Domains Ltd (DLD) to operate the new registry. They have procured a Registry Services Provider, Minds + Machines, who are working in partnership to set up and operate the domain.

• Dot London will operate on a commercial basis and any surplus profits will be re-invested for the benefit of London.

• There are guidelines set out by ICANN for new top level domains which cover areas such as disputes, complaints, the protection of trademark holders and law enforcement.

About Minds + Machines

Minds + Machines is the Registry Services Provider for Dot London. They work internationally with commercial organisations, cities, not-for-profits and entrepreneurs to secure and operate new Internet domains, known as top-level domains (TLDs). Minds and Machines Limited is a wholly owned London-based subsidiary of Top Level Domains Holdings Limited, which is quoted on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. http://mindsandmachines.com

About London & Partners

London & Partners is the official promotional organisation for London. Our company attracts and delivers value to business, students and visitors. London & Partners is a not-for-profit public private partnership, funded by the Mayor of London and a network of commercial partners.

Our remit is to drive leisure and business visitors as well as bidding to secure major events in London, to unlock the city for overseas businesses who want to set up or expand in London and to promote the capital’s world class universities to international students.

Our intention is to work in partnership with organisations in London and across the world to deliver our goal - that London be globally recognised as the best big city on earth.



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