Singapore Consolidates Position as Regional Internet IP Hub

SINGAPORE, August 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

NetNames launches online brand protection services for Asia region 

NetNames, the global leader in online brand protection and domain name management, today announces the launch of its full suite of brand protection and corporate domain name management services for the Asia region. NetNames is launching its services at a reception hosted by British Deputy High Commissioner, Judith Slater, at Eden Hall in Singapore on September 2^nd.

NetNames entered the Singapore market in May 2014 following the merger with corporate domain name management company Adicio. South East Asian corporations now have access to NetNames' industry-leading online brand protection services, already used by many global brands to combat online counterfeiters and cyber criminals.

With the internet now offering over 1,000 new domain name suffixes, the risk of cybersquatters operating phishing or pirate websites has multiplied dramatically. Even before the launch of the new generic Top Level Domains (gTLDs), online threats were on the rise. For instance, in 2012, Google reported a 524% increase in requests to remove links to websites hosting pirated content. The introduction of new web address endings also comes at a time when businesses are becoming more aware of the threats posed by cyber criminals and paying more attention to the need to safeguard their Intellectual Property.

In light of these developments, the Singapore Copyright Act was amended in July 2014 to make it easier for complainants to seek an injunction disabling access to infringing content online, consolidating the city-state's position as a regional hub for registering trademarks and Intellectual Property.

Gary McIlraith, CEO of NetNames Group, comments: "In recent years, the Asia region has grown into a global economic powerhouse, home to an ever-increasing number of large corporations with an international reach. As internet usage in the region grows, these brands will need to ensure they are protecting their reputation, revenues and customers from online counterfeiters and cybersquatters. By launching our full range of brand protection services in Singapore, we hope to contribute to the city's role as an Internet IP hub in the region, whilst helping South East Asian brands be present, protected and prosperous online."

Judith Slater, Regional Director of UK Trade & Investment and Deputy British High Commissioner to Singapore, adds: "We are delighted by the launch of NetNames Group's brand protection and corporate domain name management services for the Asia region here in Singapore.

"Singapore and the UK have similar goals in promoting their information economy. In June 2013, the UK PM David Cameron, with then Science Minister David Willetts, launched the Information Economy Strategy as part of the UK's Industrial Strategy that set out an effective road-map to establish the UK's lead in information technology and infrastructure. The strategy helps identify steps for the British government and the private sector to work together on this goal.

"A Frost and Sullivan study states that total revenues from business to consumer e-commerce in six Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, reached SGD$5.6 billion in 2013. It is expected to grow at 37.6 percent annually to reach SGD$27.2 billion by 2018. This is very impressive growth and I look forward to seeing NetNames Group help an increasing number of companies protect their brands online as they take advantage of this expanding industry."

About NetNames 

NetNames is the world's largest corporate brand protection specialists. Through its industry leading brand protection, domain name management, online security, anti-piracy and acquisitions services, the company is responsible for keeping corporate brands one step ahead of online threats across the globe. The company is headquartered in London (UK) with offices in New York (USA), Los Angeles (USA), Cambridge (UK), Copenhagen (Denmark), Munich (Germany), Oslo (Norway), Paris (France), Stockholm (Sweden), Zurich (Switzerland), Singapore and Melbourne (Australia).

NetNames can be found on Twitter @NetNamesDomains