3M and Register.com Host Corporate Domain Name Seminar; Leading Global Brand Owners Discuss Domain Name Strategies and Internet Policies

Business Wire, Sept 30, 2004

ST. PAUL, Minn. & NEW YORK -- 3M (NYSE:MMM) and Register.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCOM), a leading provider of global domain name registration and Internet services, announced they will be hosting a corporate domain name seminar for some of the world's most valuable brands. The one-day seminar will be held today at 3M's corporate headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota and will feature presentations from leading industry experts on corporate domain name issues, Internet policies and domain name dispute resolution.

The number of domain name registrations - or Web site addresses - in a large company's portfolio can often reach thousands. The presentations will cover the considerations when managing these, such as centralizing domain portfolios, managing infringement issues and effective use of domain names. Speakers at the seminar will include:

--Jean Fitzmorris, Legal Analyst, 3M Company

--Michael Pollack, General Manager, Corporate Services Division, Register.com

--J. Scott Evans, Chair of the International Trademark Association's (INTA's) Internet Committee, and President of ICANN's Intellectual Property Constituency

Michael Pollack, General Manager at Register.com's Corporate Services Division, commented, "A domain name strategy should not stop at registering key brands in a handful of regions. To be effective, the strategy must address the fragmented nature of many portfolios, the significance of local domain names and how to maximize registrations for marketing and commercial purposes. The domain name industry moves at a fast pace and brand owners must be fully informed about the latest policies, regulations and opportunities. Therefore, the objective of this seminar is educational rather than promotional."

Jean Fitzmorris, Legal Analyst at 3M, commented, "Large corporations such as 3M manage many brands in multiple regions around the world. At 3M, we have put in place a strategy to manage our global domain name portfolio and this seminar is a valuable forum in which we can share our experiences and learning with other similar corporations. We hope the presentations and discussions will provide delegates with useful knowledge and tools to assist them in tackling the issues we are all currently facing."

A key topic under discussion will be combating domain name infringement, or 'cybersquatting'. This is a common form of online brand abuse and is a major concern for large companies maintaining an online presence. Valuable brands are often targeted by 'cybersquatters' who register and use trademarks as domain names in bad faith. J. Scott Evans served on a drafting committee that assisted ICANN staff with the drafting of the Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) that was adopted by ICANN in 1999.

J. Scott explains, "Given the importance of the Internet as an advertising medium and mode of communication in the 21st Century, brand owners are constantly faced with challenges when protecting their brands from cybersquatting, dilution and infringement in the online world. In recognition of these challenges, ICANN adopted the UDRP and the U.S. Congress amended the Trademark Act to provide brand owners remedies for abuses unique to the Internet. One purpose of this seminar is to educate brand owners on these dispute resolution mechanisms and assist them in developing the best strategies for how and when to use these tools in managing their domain name and trademark portfolios."

Without a co-ordinated domain name strategy, companies may be more at risk from brand abuse and in a weaker position to maximize the marketing potential of its registrations.

About Register.com's Corporate Services Division

Register.com's Corporate Services Division (http://corporate.register.com) is committed to providing large multinational corporations with innovative solutions that enhance the management of their brands online. The division partners with leading brand owners to develop their domain name strategy, and register, manage and renew their domain names worldwide. In addition, Register.com provides auditing, monitoring and IT services to help companies create, maintain and protect their online presence. The Corporate Services Division delivers solutions to IP lawyers, brand managers, e-commerce professionals and IT managers. Clients include over 50% of the world's 100 best global brands, as ranked by Interbrand in 2004.

About Register.com

Register.com, Inc. (www.register.com) is a leading provider of global domain name registration and Internet services for businesses and consumers that wish to have a unique address and branded identity on the Internet. With over three million domain names under management, Register.com has built a brand based on quality domain name management services for small and medium sized businesses, large corporations, as well as ISPs, telcos and other online businesses. The company was founded in 1994 and is based in New York.

About 3M -- A Global, Diversified Technology Company

Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 67,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.