The Colombian domain name registry is planning to introduce a change to its domain name registration rules, offering domain name registration under the top level domain of .co (at present it is only possible to apply for domain names under extensions such as .com.co, .net.co and .org.co). In line with other recent TLD launches, the registry will be running a phased launch process, starting on 1 March 2010.
What is really interesting about it this development is that the Columbian registry is looking to implement most, if not all, of the rights protection mechanisms as recommended by the Implementation Recommendation Team "IRT": IP Clearinghouse, GPML, Rapid Takedown (aka URS). This certainly sets the pace in advance of the launch of new gTLDs in 2011, given that .co is a country-code top-level domain as such will not be bound by whatever ICANN finally adopts for RPMs (revenues per thousand visits) in the new gTLDs. This is a bold and welcome step by the Columbian registry.
