The Singapore Network Information Center (SGNIC) announced, August 16, 2004, the launch of second-level level domain name under ‘.sg’ name space, nic.net.sg reported. The launch will be in two phases: Soft Launch from September 15, 2004 to January 2, 2005 and the General Launch from January 3, 2005 onwards.
Registrations of second-level domain names (SLDs) during the Soft Launch are subject to the 'Guidelines for Application of Second-Level Domain Names under the Top-Level Domain of '.sg' During Soft Launch Period (SLG)' which prescribe, among others, the priority registration scheme for certain applicants, the processing mode of applications as well as the allocation method for multiple application from the same priority group of applicants for the same domain name.
To avoid a potential rush in applying for SLDs, there is a sunrise period where all applications lodged from September 15, 2004 to October 31, 2004 will be processed at the same time.
During this period, priority will be accorded in the given order:
(1) Owners of a Singapore registered trademark with TLD
(2) Owners of a Singapore registered trademark
(3) Owner of a well-known mark with TLD
(4) Owner of a well-known mark without TLD
(5) Government bodies
(6) Existing registrants of TLD
(7) New applicants
From January 3, 2005, however, all applications will be processed on a first-come-first-served basis.