The .uk domain extension explained

The release of the .uk domain name is the biggest change to the .uk domain since it began.

It opens up choice and huge opportunities for UK website owners.

The .uk extension is concise and puts the focus on the companys’ brand name to create a great first impression. This domain also provides a new space for online businesses to develop their identity and success and showcase these changes to their online community.

What is .uk?

.uk is the latest addition to Nominet’s series of United Kingdom domain extensions, sitting alongside .co.uk, .org.uk, and the rest of the .uk family.

The official launch date for .uk domains is 10 June 2014.

The reservation period for existing customers who already have a .co.uk, .org.uk, .me.uk, .net.uk, .ltd.uk or .plc.uk runs up until 07:59hrs on 10 June 2014.

Domains registered before 23.59hrs on 28 October 2013 will have rights to the equivalent new .uk domain, provided there was no other corresponding .co.uk, .org.uk, .me.uk, .ltd.uk, .plc.uk or .net.uk registered.

All .co.uk domains registered after 28 October 2013 and before the new .uk domains are launched will also have rights to the .uk equivalent, as long as there is no clash with any existing domains in the following situations:

• Where there are two or more domains with the same website name, the .co.uk will be offered the .uk equivalent.
• Where there is no .co.uk, the .org.uk will be offered the new .uk equivalent.
• Where there is no .co.uk or .org.uk the .me.uk will be offered the new .uk equivalent

Right to reserve

Nominet has defined certain rules for .uk domains to dictate who is entitled to them across a range of circumstances:

• New registrations of .co.uk domains made before 08:00hrs on 10 June 2014 (provided that no other equivalent .org.uk, .me.uk, .net.uk, ltd.uk or .plc.uk exists) will get the rights to the new .uk domain.
• After launch on 10 June 2014 any new registrations within the .uk family (e.g. in .co.uk, .org.uk etc.) no longer get automatic rights to register the new .uk domain. So these new .uk domains become available for anyone to register.
• Anyone wanting a new .uk domain, where there are no existing domains with rights, will simply be able to register the new .uk domain.

So…. it’s all as clear as mud then!!!

If you’re confused about it all then get in touch – we’ll explain what’s going on and what your options are.

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