Yes boys and girls, there are still domains reserved by Affilias the .info registry, some 6 years after the initial release.

An astounding 40% (20,000 out of 50,000) domain names reserved by Affilias for the .info sunrise period were invalidated after WIPO review for non-compliance.

While “the vast majority” were reallocated in the spring of 2002, some substantial number remains unclaimed.

How did this happened?

Well according to ICANN an astounding 40% (20,000 out of 50,000) domain names reservedby Affilias for the .info sunrise period were invalidated after WIPO review for non-compliance.

While “the vast majority” were reallocated in the spring of 2002, some substantial number remains unclaimed.

Affilias now proposes to reallocated these remaining names as follows:

Phase #1 (RFP)

The first stage will be a request for proposal process (RFP) where Afilias will seek to
allocate domain names to qualified applicants who will use the name in a manner likely
to enhance the .INFO brand.

Phase 2:

If the RFP method fails to result in reallocation, then the domains will either be auctioned off by the registry.

The specific auction format to be implemented will be determined by Afilias.

Phase #3

If domain names remain unallocated after the RFP and Auction processes have been completed, Afilias will make such domain names available on a first-come, first-served basis.

It seems remarkable that there are still unallocated domains 6 years after the registry went live.

There also needs to be a better plan in place with all these new extensions coming for the allocation of domains during the sunrise period.

We have taken note during the release of .info, .biz and .eu, many domains being awarded on trademark for terms clearly not trademarkable.  When hundreds of new extensions start there must be a better plan for denying obviously false application and allow those domains to become available on a first come, first served basis.