Online system speeds up '.fi' application process

The Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority (FICORA) has launched its online automated application system, which is designed to make applying for country-code top-level '.fi' domain names quicker and easier. The system ties in with the new Domain Names Act, which came into force on September 1 (see New act regulating '.fi' ccTLDs now in force).

Applicants will be issued with passwords and user codes when using the online system. Both the application and related payment (domain names cost €55 each) will be processed online.

An applicant is responsible for ensuring that its requested domain name does not infringe the rights of any third party (ie, company or individual). FICORA is unable to check the trademark or name register on behalf of applicants due to the automated nature of the new system. However, FICORA is authorized to revoke a domain name based on a third-party's trademark or name at the request of the rights holder.

Kaisa Keski-Vähälä, Susiluoto Oy, Helsinki