Web address suffixes, formally known as generic top level domains (gTLDs), are currently only open to those with registered trademarks.
However, from the end of January 2014, they will be open to the general public.
Nine new web address suffixes, including .bike, .clothing, .singles and .guru, have already been made available as the net names system undergoes a radical shake-up.
New names are expected to be released at a rate of about 10 a week.
The new domain names
– .guru
– .ventures
– .camera
– .clothing
– .lighting
– .singles
– .voyage
– .holdings
– .equipment
Approximately 1,400 new gTLDs are expected to come online in the next few years.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (Icann) believes that the new set of names will transform the way business is done online.
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"From fashion brands and dating agencies, to spiritual healers and cycle advocates, the launch of these new domains mean consumers can easily find specific content within each extension, while businesses will benefit from a stronger and more relevant online proposition," said Jan Corstens, project director of Icann’s Trademark Clearinghouse.
Icann has invited companies to submit applications for names they would like to register.
However, there is some opposition to the changes. The Coalition Against Domain Name Abuse estimates that companies will need to spend thousands of pounds to ensure their brands are not hijacked by others.
