dotMobi, the registry for .mobi domains, today announced that qualified trademark owners can now apply for dotMobi Premium Names starting September 15, 2006.

In cooperation with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), dotMobi has developed a Premium Name Application Process for trademark holders. Trademark holders must meet defined criteria to register domain name from the premium name list. The Premium Name Application process can be accessed at the dotMobi and WIPO Web sites.

"The importance of setting rules for Premium Names reinforces our commitment to help well-established trademark holders build their brand," said Neil Edwards, CEO of dotMobi. "The main objective of the Premium Names list is to ensure content-rich dotMobi sites with new features and services for the mobile community. We also look forward to seeing entrepreneurs participate in the development of content related to the other thousands of Premium Names that will be made available to the general public."

The dotMobi Premium Names list is a compilation of commonly used words and phrases which dotMobi has set aside for equitable allocation as an alternate to the traditional first come, first serve procedure. Beginning October 13, 2006, premium names will be sold to the general public after the conclusion of the four-week WIPO application process. Names will be distributed in batches through 2008 using both auction and Request for Tender (RFT) processes.