Hong Kong To Implement New Domain Name Registration

by Mary Swire, Tax-news.com, Hong Kong

01 May 2001

The Hong Kong Domain Name Registration Company Limited (HKDNR) has informed the government that it will soon implement new policies relating to Hong Kong's Internet domain name registration as .hk. Mr Rex Chang, Principal Assistant Secretary for Information Technology and Broadcasting, told the Hong Kong press that companies will be able register multiple domain names under .hk and transfer domain names upon mutual consent from June 1 this year.

An eight-day 'sunrise' period (June 1 - 8) will be implemented to give priority to applicants with a trade/service mark registered with the Hong Kong Trade Marks Registry to protect the rights of trademark owners. During the this time, domain name applications will be processed collectively and trademark owners will be given priority in registering domain names resembling their trademarks.

Domain name registrants for the .hk will be required to pay a registration fee and an annual renewal fee, both set at HK$200 which, says the HKDNR, are comparable to the rates charged by overseas domain name registrars.

Mr Chang explained that existing domain name holders, which are not subject to annual fee payment, can opt for the new policies with the enhanced services by accepting a new agreement, or retaining the old agreement but they will not be eligible for the enhanced services under the new policies. And new arrangements for allowing registration of domain name by individuals will be formulated and implemented by the new corporation after it has been established.

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