Thousands of .eu domain names have been suspended by the
body that administers the domain, over allegations that they have
been registered unfairly.
Brussels-based EURid has frozen 74,000 domain names it believes
have been “stockpiled” by a syndicate of registrars intent on
selling them on for a profit.
This process, known as "warehousing", is not permitted by EURid.
It is now suing 400 registrars for breach of contract.
EURid believes the domains were acquired by three UK companies,
Ovidio, Fausto and Gabino, as alleged warehousing culprits.
“In this case we are convinced that the domain name holders of
the 74 000 .eu names (Ovidio, Fausto and Gabino) are acting as a
front for a number of registrars. said Herman Sobrie, legal manager
of EURid.
EURid said the domain name holders and the registrars could be
regarded as “one and the same”. ComputerWeekly.com was unable to
contact any of the named firms for comment.
EURid regulations state that as registrars should only register
domain names for existing customers, and not warehouse the names in
order to resell them at a higher price, this was in breach of the
registrar contract.
The court case against the registrars is expected to start in
Brussels this October.
Anyone has been able to apply for an .eu domain name since
April.
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